Toxic Stress in Children

Just like adults, children can experience stress. However, toxic stress in children can drastically impact their early development and stunt their ability to manage intense emotions. The good news is that parents and caregivers now have access to many resources for helping their children overcome the struggles that come with toxic stress.

What is Toxic Stress in Children?

Toxic stress in children occurs when they experience a chronic or prolonged stress response to a specific trigger [*]. For instance, household dysfunctions can cause difficulties sleeping, nightmares, or prolonged anxiety. A child might be constantly alert and develop a disproportional stress response, even to minor triggers.

Toxic Stress vs. Regular Stress

Unlike regular stress, toxic stress is persistent. A child experiencing toxic stress may have no control over their situation or can do very little to change it.

In addition, children with toxic stress may develop a worldview based on fear and threat, creating hyper-alertness and an inability to function normally. “Regular” stress responses, such as anger, may feel more like rage, and fear may feel more like dread or terror.

For example, if a child experiences neglect in their early years, they may act fearful or feel unsafe for prolonged periods when left unsupervised. Despite the need for guidance from an adult, they may also be untrusting and apprehensive.

What are the Causes of Toxic Stress in Children?

Various persistent and unacknowledged stressors can cause toxic stress in children. Other possible causes of toxic stress in children include:

• Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse
• Traumatic childhood events
• The death of a loved one
• High exposure to crime or substance use
• Racial or cultural prejudice and oppression
• Bullying or harassment
• Having a physical or developmental disability
• Experiencing an accident leading to severe injury

There is no single cause of toxic stress in children, and it can result from years of adverse events and trauma [*].

What are the Symptoms of Toxic Stress in Children?

Toxic stress affects different children in various ways. One child may demonstrate different symptoms from another. Generally, childhood toxic stress can hinder their emotional and mental development and lead to the following symptoms:

• Constant and racing negative thoughts
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating on tasks or work
• Increased anxiety and irritability
• Sleep disturbances and nightmares
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Frequent tantrums
• Becoming defiant or engaging in risky behaviors
• Acting aggressively toward others
• Inability to feel calm or relaxed
• Loss of interest in favorite activities and failure to complete tasks
• Increased substance use
• Depression and mood swings

Children with toxic stress may also demonstrate physical signs, including:

• Gastrointestinal upset caused by stress-induced constipation
• Increased heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure
• Changes in appetite (binge eating or not eating)
• Muscle pain
• Headaches
• Bedwetting

What are the Long-Term Effects of Toxic Stress on a Child’s Health?

Toxic stress can significantly impair a child’s physical and mental health. Because stress directly influences the sympathetic nervous system, it initiates chemical reactions in the brain and other body parts.

When the body produces too much cortisol over long periods, it can cause:

• Weakened immune system and significant impairment when fighting off illnesses
  
• Higher rates of mental and chronic illness
  
• Memory and learning impairments
  
• Increased vulnerability to substance use

Long periods of toxic stress can also affect the brain and lead to irreversible structural changes and cognitive impairments [*]. Children might even develop autoimmune disorders, poor executive functioning, and heart or liver disease as a consequence [*].

How to Help a Children Cope with Toxic Stress

While parents and caregivers can’t necessarily prevent toxic stress from developing in children, they can provide the appropriate support to keep it from getting worse. Here are some of the best ways adults can support children experiencing toxic stress.

Developing a healthy and balanced routine

Creating a predictable and manageable routine for your child can help them from falling into unhealthy habits like binge eating, smoking, and drinking alcohol. While these activities can lead to relief, they are temporary and ultimately damage your child’s health.

Start by introducing healthy habits like eating balanced meals, setting a play and family schedule, and exercising regularly.

Practicing relaxation techniques

Young children have short attention spans, so teaching them age-appropriate relaxation techniques is essential. Don’t dive straight into yoga or meditation. Instead, find activities that are easy and engaging.

For example, you can try quick stress-relief activities like taking a short walk around the block, reciting positive affirmations, listening to a song, or stretching.

Engaging in social activities

One of the best sources of comfort during stressful times is the people who love your child. Schedule regular playdates with friends to keep them enriched and dedicate family time to strengthen parent-child bonds.

Talking about it

Giving children a safe space to discuss their stress and emotions can go a long way in their healing journey. Talking lets parents help children label their feelings and become more familiar with them.

Children will be in a better position to express their feelings when they learn to identify them. Remember to validate these feelings and praise your child for talking about them.

If your child prefers not to express themselves vocally, you can encourage them to explore their feelings through stress management worksheets.

Setting goals and planning for the future

Goal-setting can make working on your child’s stress and triggers more manageable. Setting small, attainable goals can prevent your child from becoming overwhelmed while keeping them motivated.

You can set simple goals, such as doing breathing exercises before bed, eating three healthy meals a day, or trying a new activity once a week.

When to Seek Professional Help

There may come a time when parents become overwhelmed or your child’s symptoms become difficult to manage. When parents become stressed, they might not be in the best headspace to offer support, and seeking professional help may become necessary.

You can research agencies online or get referrals from your child’s school counselor. Some viable options for treating toxic stress in children include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a helpful short-term solution for toxic stress [*]. It can help children identify stressors and reduce negative responses to them. It can also correct negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Exposure therapy: If your child’s toxic stress is caused by a specific trigger, enrolling them in exposure therapy can help them overcome the associated fears. Through gradual exposure, children can become accustomed to their stressors and approach them more confidently.
• Psychodynamic therapy: This long-term therapy helps children identify triggers and thought patterns that influence negative behaviors. It is most effective for children struggling with long-term stress and triggers.

The Bottom Line

While occasional stress isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, toxic stress in children can severely impact kids and families. By offering consistent support, opportunities to talk, and seeking professional help, you can help your child overcome their stress and triggers.

If you’re looking for simple activities to add to your child’s routine at home, explore our collection of stress management worksheets.

Sources:

1. Franke H. “Toxic Stress: Effects, Prevention and Treatment.” Children, 2014.
2. Nelson CA, Bhutta ZA, Harris NB, Danese A, Samara M. “Adversity in childhood is linked to mental and physical health throughout life.” BMJ, 2020.
3. Yuen E, Wei J, Liu W, Zhong P, Li X, Yan Z. “Repeated Stress Causes Cognitive Impairment by Suppressing Glutamate Receptor Expression and Function in Prefrontal Cortex.” Neuronm 2012.
4. Song H, Fang F, Gunnar Tomasson, et al. “Association of Stress-Related Disorders With Subsequent Autoimmune Disease.” JAMA, 2018.
5. Gilgoff R, Schwartz T, Owen M, Bhushan D, Harris NB. “Opportunities to Treat Toxic Stress.” PEDIATRICS, 2022.