It’s never easy to acknowledge you need help with your mental health, especially if you’ve been suffering in silence alone. However, mental health conditions don’t discriminate and can affect anyone, even children. More specifically, students are prone to distress because of their environment and pressure regarding their schoolwork.
Students are under a lot of pressure these days. They have to juggle schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social lives. It can be tough to keep up with everything and still have time for themselves. This can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. When students don’t have time to relax and de-stress, it can affect their mental health. If you’re a parent, guardian, or simply a concerned individual who wants to make a difference in a child’s mental health, knowing the signs of distress will be beneficial because you can take steps to make them feel better.
Risk Factors for Mental Health Conditions in Children
Many risk factors can contribute to the development of mental health conditions in children. Some of these include:
- Family history of mental illness – Children with a parent or other close relative with a mental illness are at an increased risk of developing one themselves.
- Exposure to trauma – Traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence can increase a child’s risk for developing mental health problems.
- Poverty – Children who live in poverty are more likely to experience stress and other adverse experiences that can lead to mental health problems.
- Chronic medical conditions – Children with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or asthma are at an increased risk for developing anxiety and depression.
Signs of Distress in Younger Children
For younger children (ages 6 to 11), signs of distress may manifest differently than in older children or adults. Younger children may become clingy or withdrawn, have trouble sleeping, wet the bed, or regress to more immature behaviors (e.g., thumb sucking). They may also exhibit physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches.
Furthermore, younger children may also have trouble expressing their emotions in words and may instead act them out through their behavior. This can manifest as tantrums, aggression, or other disruptive behaviors.
Signs of Distress in Teens
Teenagers are at the stage of their life where they explore their identity, try to fit in, and grapple with many changes. It’s normal for teenagers to experience ups and downs during this time, but some may start to experience more severe problems that can interfere with their daily life.
Some signs that a teenager may be in distress include:
- Withdrawing from friends and activities that they used to enjoy
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Exhibiting sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming unusually quiet or aggressive
- Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Experiencing drastic changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Engaging in self-harmful behaviors, such as cutting or burning themselves
Signs of Distress in College Students
College students are under considerable pressure because they’re laying down the foundations of their professional lives. Many college students feel immense pressure to succeed, such as getting good grades or landing a good job. This pressure can sometimes lead to distress, which may manifest in various ways. Some signs that a college student is experiencing distress include:
- Withdrawing from social activities and interactions
- Exhibiting changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Exhibiting changes in mood or behavior (e.g., angry outbursts, crying spells)
- Having difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, or worthless
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
What You Can Do
As a concerned individual, being there for a student who is experiencing distress can make all the difference. Here are some things you can do to help:
- Listen and offer support. Just being there to listen and offer support can be helpful for someone who is struggling. Let them know that you care and that they are not alone.
- Encourage healthy coping mechanisms. Help the person identify healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, journaling, or spending time with friends and family. Avoid suggesting unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drinking alcohol or using drugs.
- Help them get professional help if needed. If the person is struggling to cope independently, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor to ensure their mental health needs are met and their mental well-being is cared for.
Conclusion
There are many signs that a student may be in distress. Some of these signs may be obvious, while others may be more subtle. However, these signs indicate that a student has difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues. If you notice any of these changes in a student, you must reach out and offer support.
If you’re looking for mental health support services, Norwest Clinic can help you! We understand that mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, so we develop age-appropriate solutions to meet a patient’s needs. Simply go to our website to inquire!
