What Are The Signs Of Stress for Introverted Children? An Expert Explains

Being that introverted children will tend not to express their feelings or their thoughts with more clarity, it is a good idea to be aware of some signs that your introverted child might be suffering from stress or emotional discomfort. There are physical and behavioral signs and signals that you can be aware of, especially if you have an introverted child who might be less communicative about their feelings. 

Sometimes otherwise healthy kids will show physical symptoms as a reaction to stress. For example, an introverted child might have complaints about stomach pain, headaches, or other types of physical pain that can't be explained even by a visit to the doctor. Sometimes symptoms might be specific, while in others a child may simply express that they feel sick, even if they can't explain what it is that they're feeling. In some cases, extremely introverted kids might internalize their worries and stress in such a way that it can produce physical discomfort in them.

Bruxism, or grinding of the teeth during sleep, is a noticeable physical symptom of stress or anxiety in children. If you notice your child grinding their teeth while sleeping, this could be a possible sign that they are suffering some kind of emotional or psychological discomfort.

A child who is undergoing stress may have difficulties sleeping. This includes but is not limited to having trouble falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or having persistent nightmares that harm their sleep patterns and rest. 

Sudden or recurring bed-wetting can be a sign of extreme stress in a child, especially when the child is old enough and knows to wake up and go to the bathroom.

Some symptoms that introverted children may demonstrate have to do with their behavior rather than their physical feelings. They are no less important and may indicate that your child is suffering from stress.

If your child is suddenly fearful of going to certain places or develops uncharacteristic clinginess or fears, it is a possible sign of stress. Another example could be if your child's interactions with other children or adults are suddenly different. For example, if a normally sociable child is suddenly antagonistic or fearful of social contact, this may be a sign of stressors.

Regressive behavior is when a child begins to exhibit patterns or behavior more characteristic of a younger child. One example might be an older child suddenly having tantrums that are more appropriate for a much younger child. Another possible sign could be a child all of a sudden becoming extremely clingy or needy with their parents, despite being normally independent. Sudden crying behavior or whining might be another. 

As you learn to understand signs of stress in your introverted child, you can provide them with positive tools such as mindfulness to help them respond to stressors. At any time you see these signs increase, I encourage you to possibly considering talking to your child's pediatrician for a referral to a child therapist. Children often are responsive quickly in a therapeutic setting and need a few sessions to help them learn some positive coping skills and provide you with some tools to help reinforce them at home.