Stress and Anxiety in Children during Exams – Exam season causes an extraordinary amount of Stress in children. Psychiatrist Dr Anjali Nagpal tells us about Stress and Anxiety in Children during Exams.

The signs and symptoms of a child under stress: change in sleep or appetite; mood imbalance – increase in bouts of irritation and anger or the child withdrawing him/herself from social or family interaction. The child is likely to prefer being alone, going into a shell or being emotionally unresponsive (blank or vacant expression). The latter is a cause for concern.

In order to explore causes of stress and how parents can help the child during exams, we spoke to Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences Psychiatrist, Dr. Anjali Nagpal, one of the top 50 Global Mental Health specialists and Founder, Serenity Clinic.

She explains that the growing child is facing situations and circumstances for the first time. With no prior experience, this can be quite overwhelming and stressful experience for many. This is a learning phase and a process of developing handling and coping mechanisms. The child’s peer group and friends have a strong influence at this stage that can play a positive role.

Stress could worsen depending on the home environment. Conflict amongst parents, a stressed parent or a child who is abused are other causes that can impact a child’s mental health negatively.

Dr. Anjali Nagpal’s suggestions on helping the child deal with exam stress:

• A positive family environment
• Focus on concept based learning and not overwhelm or over pressurize children for marks. Give equal weightage on sport and other activities as much as on studies
• Some children have a low attention span. Recognize this, be patient and teach the child concepts at his own pace.
• Do not compare your child’s performance to his friends
• Communicate constantly – not on studies but to understand the child’s mental make-up. This could resolve potential problems
• Discipline and routine on timely studies; play and hobbies the whole year will keep the exam period relatively stress-free
• In case the child is anxious during exams, timely breaks – breathing exercises / physical activity is very helpful

A collaborative, patient, child-centered and communicative approach will go a long way in understanding the child and freeing the child from stress.