2.3. Describe possible causes of stress and anxiety for children and young people

This guide will help you answer 2.3. Describe possible causes of stress and anxiety for children and young people.

Dealing with stress and anxiety in children and young people is a key part of supporting their mental health. Identifying sources of these feelings is the first step in addressing the issue. Stress and anxiety can stem from many areas, influencing their emotional wellbeing significantly. In this guide, we will look at some of the common causes.

Academic Pressure

School isn’t just a place for learning; it’s also a pressure cooker for many young individuals.

• Exams and Academic Performance: The fear of underperforming in exams can be overwhelming. Children often worry about disappointing their parents and teachers or missing out on future opportunities. This pressure compounds as they approach key educational stages like GCSEs or A-Levels.
• Homework Loads: Balancing different subjects and their respective homework can create a feeling of constant stress. Some children may struggle with time management, leading to tension at home and school.
• Classroom Environment: For some, participating in class is terrifying. The fear of giving a wrong answer or being laughed at can cause severe anxiety, particularly in children who are naturally introverted.

To help, focus on balancing educational demands with relaxation and encourage children to talk about their worries.

Social Dynamics

Interacting with peers is a significant part of a young person’s life, but not without challenges.

• Friendships and Peer Pressure: Building and maintaining friendships isn’t easy for everyone. Some children might feel pressured to fit in or act a certain way, which can lead to stress if they don’t feel accepted.
• Bullying and Cyberbullying: Being bullied, whether in person or online, can severely damage a child’s self-esteem and sense of security. This can lead to ongoing anxiety and fear of social settings.
• Social Media: Compare and despair is a common phenomenon. Seeing peers’ highlight reels online can make children negatively assess their own lives and achievements, sparking anxiety.

Being there for children, listening to their experiences, and fostering positive social environments can help mitigate these issues.

Family Influences

Family life shapes how young people perceive the world.

• Parental Pressure: Some parents set high expectations for their child’s success. This can be stressful, especially if the child feels that love and acceptance are conditional on meeting these expectations.
• Family Disputes/Divorce: Witnessing arguments or experiencing the separation of parents can create a sense of insecurity. Children may worry about their place within the family or future living arrangements.
• Financial Stress: Children are often keenly aware of their family’s financial situation. Hearing parents discuss money worries can create anxiety about their own stability and the support they receive.

Open and honest communication within the family is vital. Children should feel they can express their worries without judgement.

Personal Challenges

Everyone’s mental health is affected by their personal challenges and individual experiences.

• Health Concerns: Managing health issues, whether it’s a chronic illness or a recent diagnosis, adds to anxiety levels. This is not only due to the physical symptoms but also the adjustment to new routines and potential hospital visits.
• Identity and Self-Worth: Adolescence is a time of self-discovery, and the quest for identity can lead to stress. Doubts about self-worth and fitting in with societal norms can be overwhelming.
• Trauma and Grief: Experiences of trauma or the loss of a loved one can leave a lasting impact. Children may struggle with expressing their grief, leading to bottled-up emotions and anxiety.

Empathising with young people and providing a safe space to explore these issues helps them feel understood and less alone.

External Activities

Extracurricular activities, though enriching, also add pressure.

• Sports and Competitions: While healthy competition is encouraged, the drive to excel and stand out can cause stress. Some young athletes worry about living up to coaches’ or family expectations.
• Arts and Performance: Music, drama, and other performances can be a source of anxiety. The fear of public failure or criticism can weigh heavily on young performers.

Encourage children to participate for joy and personal growth rather than rigid perfection. This can help keep extracurricular activities enjoyable and less stressful.

Environmental Influences

The wider environment plays its part in influencing mental wellbeing.

• Unsafe Living Conditions: Growing up in an area with high crime rates fosters a constant state of alert and fear, affecting a child’s sense of security.
• Moving and Relocation: Changing home or school can be disruptive. The unfamiliarity and loss of existing friendships can be unsettling, causing anxiety until new routines are established.
• Lack of Resources: Realising disparities in what they have compared to peers might frustrate children, leading to feelings of inadequacy.

Support their need for stability and encourage open conversations about their concerns. This builds resilience against environmental stresses.

Digital Life

Technology is integral to young lives but can contribute to their stress.

• Screen Time: Spending excessive time on screens, particularly social media, can lead to anxiety. Being constantly connected makes it hard to switch off and rest.
• Online Interactions: Negative experiences online, such as trolling or exclusion, can be distressing. The anonymous nature of the internet sometimes emboldens hurtful behaviour.

Promote balanced screen use and develop skills in cyber-resilience. This helps ensure that digital interactions remain positive and enriching.

Conclusion

Identifying potential sources of stress and anxiety in young individuals helps in addressing these issues. By creating supportive environments and practising open communication, we can ease their mental burdens. Listening to their concerns, guiding them, and showing empathy are all crucial in helping children and young people navigate their complex world. By doing so, we enable them to lead happier and healthier lives.