2.1. Define the terms: • stress • anxiety

This guide will help you answer 2.1. Define the terms: • stress • anxiety.

Understanding the mental health of children and young people is essential for their overall development and well-being. As individuals who work closely with this age group, you play a vital role in recognising and responding to their mental health needs. Among the many aspects of mental health, stress and anxiety are common concerns that can significantly impact young people’s lives. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent different experiences and challenges.

Definition of Stress

Stress is a natural response. It happens when you feel under pressure or threatened. This can come from different situations or events. It’s a body’s way of reacting to a challenge or demand. During stress, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare you to respond to a threat, which is often called the “fight or flight” response. This response increases your heartbeat, quickens your breathing, and tenses your muscles. It’s a short-term reaction. However, if stress is constant, it can harm both mind and body.

Sources of Stress for Young People

Children and young people experience stress differently. Common sources of stress include:

• School: Exams, homework, and the pressure to perform well can be overwhelming.
• Family: Family changes such as divorce or a new sibling can cause stress.
• Friends and Peers: Friendships, bullying, or peer pressure can be stressful.
• Future: Concerns about the future or personal expectations can weigh heavily.

Physical Signs of Stress

Stress can show up in the body in several ways. Young people might experience:

• Headaches
• Stomach aches
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Changes in appetite

Emotional Signs of Stress

Stress affects emotions and behaviour. Signs might include:

• Irritability or anger
• Sadness or tearfulness
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Anxiety

Definition of Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or fear. Unlike stress, which is a response to an external cause, anxiety is often internal. It’s more than a moment of worry or fear. It can affect daily life if ongoing.

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is one common type. Children can also experience social anxiety, which makes social situations feel terrifying. Panic disorders cause sudden feelings of terror, often without a clear cause. It’s important to identify anxiety as it can affect mental and physical health.

Common Anxiety Triggers for Children

Anxiety can stem from various experiences, such as:

• Changes in Routine: Moving house, changing schools, or uprooting routines.
• Trauma: Events that threaten safety or cause harm can lead to anxiety.
• Social Situations: Meeting new people, presenting in class, or crowded places.
• Performance: Sports, music performances, or even tests can cause anxiety.

Physical Signs of Anxiety

Anxiety often manifests physically, with symptoms such as:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness

These sensations can be distressing and lead the child to avoid anxiety-inducing situations.

Emotional Signs of Anxiety

Emotionally, anxiety is characterised by:

• Excessive worry or fear
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Feeling on edge or tense

Differences Between Stress and Anxiety

Although stress and anxiety are related, they are not the same. Here’s how they differ:

• Cause: Stress comes from external pressures. Anxiety doesn’t always have a clear source.
• Duration: Stress is often temporary. Anxiety can be ongoing and persistent.
• Function: Stress can motivate positive action. Anxiety can be debilitating without offering solutions.

Helping Young People Cope

Recognising stress and anxiety in young people is the first step. Encourage them to talk about their feelings in a safe space. Adequate support can make a significant difference. Ways to support them include:

• Open Communication: Let them express what they feel.
• Relaxation Techniques: Encourage deep breathing and mindfulness.
• Physical Activity: Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage a balanced diet and sufficient sleep.

Professional Help

Sometimes, professional intervention is needed. Therapy and counselling help young people understand and manage their feelings. These spaces empower them with coping strategies. Different therapies include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches practical skills to manage anxiety.
• Play Therapy: Supports younger children through creative expression.
• Group Therapy: Provides a chance to share experiences with peers.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Creating environments where young people feel safe and understood is important. This involves:

• Consistency: Regular routines provide a sense of security.
• Reassurance: Letting them know it’s okay to feel stress and anxiety.
• Education: Teach what stress and anxiety are, and how to manage them.
• Inclusivity: Promote a culture that values diversity and reduces peer pressure.

Role of Schools and Organisations

Schools and youth organisations play a role in managing stress and anxiety. They can provide:

• Counselling Services: Access to trained professionals within the institution.
• Social Skills Training: Helps develop emotional intelligence and social skills.
• Stress Management Workshops: Education on how to cope with pressures effectively.
• Safe Spaces: Areas where students can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

Encouraging Resilience

Building resilience helps young people face challenges positively. Support them by:

• Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Encourage them to think through solutions.
• Celebrating Achievements: Small wins boost self-esteem.
• Role-Modelling Positive Behaviour: Adults demonstrate how to manage stress positively.
• Encouraging Perseverance: Support a mindset that focuses on effort over perfection.

Conclusion

Stress and anxiety are part of life but can significantly impact children and young people. Understanding and defining these terms is vital to providing effective support. By paying careful attention to signs and offering compassionate care, those working with children and young people can help them develop the skills they need to navigate their emotions and, ultimately, thrive. Engaging them in open dialogues about their feelings can alleviate the weight of stress and anxiety, ensuring that they grow into healthy, emotionally intelligent individuals.