Common signs of psychosocial distress in children

How children react to a crisis situation can vary depending on a variety of things, including their ages. Even children who initially seem to not be affected may at some point in the coming weeks go through phases of misbehaving more than usual or display significant signs of stress.

Physical reactions (all age groups)

Physical reactions to stress in children — *Note that the signs below may also be signs of physical illness, so please take your child to see a doctor to rule out any physical conditions.*

Age	Reaction
0-3 years	Clinging to their caregivers more than normal - Increased hyperactivity Regressing to former (younger) behaviours - More afraid of things Changes in sleeping and eating patterns - More demanding Higher irritability - More frequent crying
4-6 years	Clinging to adults - Becoming more inactive or Regressing to former (younger) behaviours hyperactive Changes in sleeping and eating patterns - Stop playing Higher irritability - Takes on adult roles Poorer concentration - Stop talking More anxious or worried
7-12 years	Becoming withdrawn - Restlessness Frequent concern about others affected - Poor memory and concentration Changes in sleeping and eating patterns - Physical symptoms/ psychosomatic Increasingly fearful Higher irritability Frequent aggression Frequently talks about the event or repetitive play Feels guilty or blames themselves
13-17 years (teens)	Intense grief - Increased risk taking Shows excessive concern for others - Aggression Feelings of guilt and shame - Self-destructive Increasingly defiant of authority - Feeling hopeless

Children who demonstrate these signs over a prolonged period of time will need specialist support.

Withdrawn or very quiet with little or no movement
Hides or shies away from other people
Does not respond to others, does not speak
Extreme and constant worry
Physical symptoms of not feeling well; shaking, headaches, loss of appetite, aches, and pain
Aggressive, trying to hurt others
Confused or disoriented
How to create a supportive environment for your child in stressful situations

Sometimes it is difficult to protect and isolate children from the stressors in their environment, particularly those that are beyond your control. However, there are some simple things that parents can do to create a supportive environment for their children and reduce the impact of the crisis situations.

INFANTS

Keep them warm and safe.
Keep them away from loud noises and chaos.
Give cuddles and hugs.
Keep a regular feeding and sleeping schedule if possible.
Speak in a calm and soft voice.

YOUNG CHILDREN

Give them extra time and attention.
Remind them often that they are safe.
Explain to them that they are not to blame for bad things that happen.
Avoid separating young children from caregivers, brothers and sisters, and loved ones.
Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.
Give simple answers about what happened without scary details.
Allow them to stay close to you if they are fearful or clingy.
Be patient with children who start demonstrating behaviours they did when they were younger, such as sucking their thumb or wetting the bed.
Provide a chance to play and relax, if possible.

OLDER CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Give them your time and attention.
Help them to keep regular routines.
Provide facts about what happened and explain what is going on now.
Allow them to be sad. Don't expect them to be tough.
Listen to their thoughts and fears without being judgmental.
Set clear rules and expectations.
Ask them about the dangers they face, support them and discuss how they can best avoid being harmed.
Encourage and allow opportunities for them to be helpful.

General daily tips

- Be affectionate with your child by giving them hugs or holding their hand. Tell them that you love them. This will help to reassure and comfort them and will help to maintain a positive relationship.

- Try to regularly create time and space to interact one on one with your child.

- Encourage your child to keep a diary.

- Normal routines have been disrupted, so it is important to reorganize your routines in order to create stability and predictability (to the extent possible) for children. Try to keep bedtime routine at similar times and integrate some learning- based activities.

- Encourage your child to play.

- Regulate your child’s exposure to the news.

- If your child wants your attention but you can’t give it right away, make sure that they know you will listen to them as soon as possible.

- Encourage safe ways for your teenager to experience independence, for example a short daily walk on their own, or keeping up with their daily routine. Communicate openly with them about what is expected or why certain decisions had to be made.