Communicate Stress Concerns
Teens and Anxiety Power Point - December 3, 2012 PTSA Program
Symptoms of Stress in Children*
- Irritability of unusual emoitionality or volatility
- Sleep difficulty or nightmares
- Inability to concentrate
- Drop in grades or other functioning
- Toileting or eating concerns
- Headaches or stomachaches
- Unexplained fears or increased anxiety (that also can take the form of clinging)
- Regression to easier developmental levels
- Isolation from family activities or peer relationships
- Drug or alcohol experimentation
*National Association of School Psychologists
Factors That Help Prevent Stress*
- Good nutrition and exercise
- Time to relax and do recreational activities
- At least 8 hours of sleep a night
- Encourage your child to tell you if he or she feels overwhelmed; adjust courseload and activities
- Positive problem solving and coping skills
- Close, supportive relationships at home and school, with peers and adults
- Reasonable expectations
- Permission and ability to learn from mistakes
- Developing competencies (academic, social, extracurricular, and life skills)
- Consistent, positive discipline
- Ability to express feelings appropriately
- Feeling physically and emotionally safe
*National Association of School Psychologists
Steps to Communicate Your Concerns to School Staff
- Start with a phone call or email the student's teacher
- Email Counseling Department Chair, Robin Moore.
