General Stress
Stress can affect everyone, including children. It can cause children from toddlers to teenagers to feel overwhelmed. Kids’ stress can stem from what is happening in their own lives and in the their families as well as from news concerning the world around them.
Read a general overview about childhood stress here: Childhood Stress
We try to keep a helpful list of counselors in the area that can be very helpful navigating stress, anxiety, depression and other concerns. You may access it here.
Grief
A child often reacts differently to the loss of a loved one and may grieve in a wide variety of ways. These articles are helpful in learning about child grief:
Bereavement reactions by age group
Helping Children Deal With Grief
There are many books for children in regards to grief and losing a family member or loved one that can be helpful in managing this difficult time:
Shootings
Unfortunately there continues to be increased occurrences and news coverage of mass shootings in our country, including in many schools. This can cause increased stress to a child and cause them to worry about their own safety while at school. If this has been a concern for you or your child, there are helpful articles below:
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
Talking to Children about the Shooting
Mass Shootings: How to Talk to Our Children
Talking to your children about the recent spate of school shootings
Social Media
Smartphones and social media have become an integral part of the life of a teenager (and sometimes for kids even younger). Related to smartphone use, there are increasing concerns for rising anxiety, depression, poor communication, reduced sleep and general stress in our young people. We encourage parents to educate themselves on programs their children are using and to set limits at home where there are electronic -free zones, such as the bedroom and at meal times.
How smartphones and social media contribute to depression and anxiety in teens
Postpartum Depression
Although the “baby blues” for a new mom can be common after childbirth due to lack of sleep, hormones and mood swings, this often improves after a couple of weeks. Postpartum depression causes a new mom to experience a more severe and long-term feeling of depression and prompt treatment is important. Please contact your medical provider for concerns.
Additional resources for new moms in the area include:
MS MVP North Shore Mother Visiting Partnership (One time free home nurse visit and welcome basket!)
Beverly 978-380-8203
Peabody 978-490-7091
Gloucester 978-559-1784
Newburyport 978-835-1521
Hamilton 978-290-9618
Center for Early Relationship Support JF&CS (visiting mom volunteer for an hour per week!)
Contact Diane Gardner at dgardner@jfcsboston.org or 781-693-1351