Do you ever feel like stress is an unavoidable part of daily life? For many families, managing responsibilities, school, work, and emotional well-being can be overwhelming. April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to recognize how stress affects families and the importance of finding healthy ways to cope.
At Maryvale, we provide essential mental health services to help children and families manage stress and build resilience. Through community-based mental health services, behavioral therapy for kids, and family therapy, we offer support where it’s needed most. This blog explores how stress impacts families, how to recognize the signs, and practical strategies to reduce stress with the right resources.
Understanding Stress in Families
Stress is the body’s response to challenges or demands. Short-term stress can be beneficial, helping people stay alert and focused. However, chronic stress can harm mental and physical health, leading to anxiety, depression, and even physical illness.
When stress becomes constant, the body remains in a heightened state of alert, which can strain the immune system and increase inflammation. Over time, this prolonged stress response can disrupt sleep, impair concentration, and raise the risk of conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure.
How Stress Affects Families
Stress doesn’t just affect individuals; it impacts entire households. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to the adverse effects of stress. Studies show that excessive stress can interfere with child development, leading to emotional and behavioral issues.
For parents and caregivers, stress can result in mental health challenges, difficulty managing responsibilities, behavior or conduct problems, and strained relationships. Unaddressed stress can increase the likelihood of needing professional intervention, such as cognitive behavioral therapies or marriage and family therapy.
Statistics on Stress in Families
- Parental Stress Levels: In 2023, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults.
- Impact on Daily Functioning: 41% of parents stated that most days they are so stressed they cannot function, and 48% felt their stress is completely overwhelming.
- Chronic Stress in Children: Children exposed to chronic stress are at heightened risk for health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and depression later in life.
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): In California, 1 in 3 children is at risk for toxic stress, with nearly 2 million affected by ACEs, leading to increased chances of chronic health conditions.
Signs of Stress in Children and Adults
Stress manifests differently, and recognizing early signs is essential for preventing long-term effects. Emotional signs often appear first, with children experiencing anxiety, frequent mood swings, withdrawal, or excessive crying. Adults may show irritability, difficulty managing emotions, and increased worry.
Physical symptoms are also common, including headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, or unexplained fatigue in children. In adults, stress can lead to muscle tension, fatigue, and high blood pressure.
Behavioral changes may signal distress as well—children might develop irregular eating habits, act out in school, or avoid social interactions. At the same time, adults may struggle with poor concentration, lack motivation, or rely on unhealthy coping mechanisms. Identifying these signs early can help families seek appropriate support and prevent long-term mental and physical health challenges.
When to Seek Help
If stress becomes overwhelming and affects daily life, it may be time to seek mental health help. Professional support, such as cognitive behavioral treatment and trauma-informed care, can provide effective coping strategies. Maryvale’s mental health facilities offer family therapy, ensuring children and caregivers get the help they need.
Practical Ways to Reduce Stress
Healthy Routines for Families
Establishing healthy routines is essential for managing stress and promoting overall well-being in families. A consistent sleep schedule is crucial, as the CDC recommends 9–12 hours of sleep for children and 7–9 hours for adults to support emotional stability and cognitive function. Nutritious meals also play a key role in behavioral health, as eating well-balanced foods helps regulate mood and energy levels.
Besides, regular physical activity is an effective way to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Simple activities like walking, yoga, or outdoor play can boost mood and provide a healthy outlet for stress relief.
Emotional Wellness Strategies
Mindfulness and breathing exercises, such as deep breathing and meditation, are effective tools for reducing anxiety. Journaling and creative expression also play an important role, as encouraging children to write or draw can help them process and understand their emotions.
Spending quality time together as a family—free from the distractions of screens—also strengthens emotional bonds and fosters a supportive environment for everyone. These simple practices can contribute significantly to emotional well-being.
Maryvale’s Resources for Mental Health Support
Maryvale offers comprehensive mental health services for children and families:
- Mental Health Services: Counseling and therapy to help families manage stress.
- Behavioral Therapy for Kids: Developing coping skills for emotional regulation.
- Family Therapy: Strengthening family relationships through professional guidance.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Providing support for children and families affected by stress or past trauma.
Seeking professional support can prevent stress from escalating into more serious mental health conditions.
How Donations and Support Make a Difference
Providing mental health facilities and resources relies on continuous community support. Donations are crucial as they directly fund therapy programs, family counseling, and child intervention services.
Donations also help cover therapy costs for families who may not have the means to afford treatment. Every donation makes a difference, ensuring that families receive the support they need. You can support Maryvale’s mission by donating here.
Stress affects everyone, but with the right tools and support, families can find relief. Maryvale provides resources to help families build resilience through mental health services and continuous support. Small changes in daily routines and seeking professional help when needed can make a lasting impact.
If you or a loved one need support, visit Maryvale’s website to explore our mental health programs and services. Together, we can reduce stress and promote emotional well-being in our communities.
