What harm does Psychological stress do to children's health? How to respond?

The Harms of Significant Psychological Stress on children's Health and Coping Strategies

Prolonged and excessive psychological stress can impact the brain, leading to cognitive difficulties and impaired memory function. Studies have found that individuals with consistently elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol perform poorly in memory tests, and the hippocampus, responsible for cognition and memory, shows significant shrinkage. Recent research from France discovered an enzyme in the human body that, when affected by psychological stress, attacks molecules in the hippocampal region responsible for regulating neural synapses, reducing communication between nerve cells. Consequently, this can result in restlessness, decreased social and understanding abilities, weakened self-reflection, and impulsivity. Research indicates that mental stress can crowd out memory space, with significant stress causing a reduction in the volume of the right hippocampus, impacting memory capacity. Living under chronic stress may lead to reduced volume in the medial prefrontal cortex of the brain, which is associated with emotional and cognitive impairments, resulting in decreased learning abilities and lack of focus. Moreover, stress stimulates the central nervous system, leading to issues such as neurasthenia, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and changes in appetite patterns like overeating or loss of appetite.

Psychological stress affects the heart. When confronted with stress, individuals naturally enter a state of stress response, during which the body automatically releases catecholamines, leading to elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, endothelial cell damage, and atherosclerosis, thus triggering cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Psychological stress affects gastrointestinal function. Serotonin, dopamine, and other chemicals that regulate human emotions are 95% synthesized in the intestines. Therefore, emotions and gastrointestinal health are interconnected. Under the influence of stress, abdominal muscles unconsciously contract, leading to abdominal pain, gastrointestinal disorders, and symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

Psychological stress affects the skin. Prolonged and significant psychological stress can lead to chronic acne, as well as conditions like psoriasis and eczema-like dermatitis.

Psychological factors influence the efficacy of disease treatment: Clinical trials have shown that a positive mood can effectively alleviate cold symptoms in up to 35% of cases and improve gastrointestinal disorders in up to 50% of cases. When children fall ill, it is essential to eliminate their fear of illness, instill confidence in their recovery, and encourage them to overcome pain and have the courage to undergo treatment, as these factors positively affect the psychological effects of medication.

In addition, excessive psychological stress in children can lead to overeating and obesity, a fondness for sweets that damages teeth, and the impairment of thyroid function.

To prevent excessive psychological stress in children, parents should assist them in reducing burdens and avoid placing invisible pressures on them. Parents should proactively help children reduce unnecessary academic burdens and mental stress. When evaluating their academic performance, parents should learn to say "do your best" and avoid comparing their children with others. It is crucial to instill in children the correct outlook on life, encouraging them with the concept of "not becoming arrogant in victory nor discouraged in defeat," as strong willpower and resilience are valuable qualities. Encourage children to make friends as good friends can help release unpleasant emotions, alleviating psychological stress. Be a playful parent, frequently taking children on outings to invigorate their spirits and forget their worries. Engaging in physical activities with children has been proven to have a better mood-improving effect than antidepressants. Activities such as walking and jogging can inhibit the secretion of adrenaline and cortisol while releasing endorphins, making people feel relaxed. Practicing yoga can prompt the brain to release anti-anxiety substances, thus reducing cortisol levels. One hour of daily yoga can not only relieve stress but also control appetite. Adopting a healthy diet by substituting fruits for sweets and dark chocolate for milk chocolate, and increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like deep-sea fish (e.g., salmon and mackerel), walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds can help break the "craving cycle." Eating fruits and vegetables containing beneficial probiotics, such as bananas, garlic, onions, and chives, ensures the proper functioning of the intestines. Children should have a nutritious breakfast, replacing high-carbohydrate breakfast with high-protein options like eggs and milk, and consuming foods rich in healthy fats, such as nuts, avocados, full-fat yogurt, deep-sea fish, or coconuts.