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Stress or anxiety, is it always bad?

Stress and anxiety is a phenomenon we are faced with on a daily basis. It is a survival mechanism which has made as survive as a human species and it is a normal response to an anticipated future threat. However, when anxiety is left unidentified and not processed at can lead to many difficulties. Herewith is a quick list of possible signs and symptoms

Anxiety can manifest in 4 different domains:

1. Thoughts as stress symptoms:

• “I can’t handle this”
• Ruminating about certain situations
• Worries about being scrutinised in social situations.
• Worries about being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected or offending others.
• Excessive worry about losing important people in his/her life.
•  Being preoccupied with fearful thoughts.

2. Feelings (emotions) as stress symptoms:

• Agitation
• Sadness
• Irritation
• Tiredness
• Restlessness
• Fatigued

3. Physiological responses as stress symptoms:

• Stomach pain
• Grinding of teeth
• Headaches
• Spasms in the neck or shoulders
• Muscle aches

4. Behaviours as stress symptoms:

• Avoidance
• Emotional outbursts or meltdowns before school about clothing, shoes, hair or a sporting activity
• Difficulty falling asleep at night
• Unnecessary perfectionism
• Inattention poor focus
• Excessive crying
• Tantrums
• Difficulty slowing down before bed time
• Sleeping difficulties (falling asleep, staying asleep)
• Selective mutism during situations expected to speak e.g. school speeches or classroom discussions.
• Surges of intense fear and physical discomfort (panic attacks)

If these signs and symptoms have persisted for more than 3 months and you feel that it is having an impact on your child or adolescent’s school achievement it is important to consult a psychologist.

It is important to note that although your child might have a lot of these symptoms they do not necessarily have an anxiety disorder but learning to cope with his/her anxiety can be very beneficial.