Recognizing Withdrawal Symptoms in Adults and Children: Signs to Watch For and How to Help
The holiday season isn’t here yet, but with weather changes and Black Friday sales, we know the season is upon us. The holidays can be a joyous time for many, but they can also bring feelings of stress, loneliness, or anxiety for others—adults and children alike. It’s important to recognize when someone may be withdrawing or feeling overwhelmed, so we can offer support. Here are a few signs to watch for and ways you can help, both for yourself and to educate the children around you.
Signs of Withdrawal in Adults:
- Decreased Communication: If someone who is usually chatty or social starts to withdraw or avoid conversations, it could be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed or down. A caring message or simple conversation can let them know you’re there.
- Avoidance of Social Gatherings: Skipping events they would usually attend can be a sign of feeling isolated. Offering a low-pressure activity like a quiet coffee or walk can give them a chance to open up.
- Mood or Behavioral Changes: Sudden shifts in mood, such as irritability, sadness, or seeming distracted, may indicate emotional distress. Offering a patient ear can be helpful in showing support.
- Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or general lack of energy can indicate emotional strain. Encouraging self-care and offering small acts of help can ease their burden.
Signs of Withdrawal in Children:
Children, just like adults, can feel overwhelmed or anxious during the holidays. Their signs of withdrawal may look different:
- Withdrawing from Friends or Activities: A child who stops wanting to play with friends or shows less interest in activities they used to enjoy may be feeling stressed or anxious.
- Changes in Behavior: Increased tantrums, outbursts, or unusual silence can be signs of internal struggles in younger children. For older children or teens, mood swings, irritability, or seeming distant could indicate they are having a hard time coping.
- Declining School Performance: A sudden drop in grades, reluctance to attend school, or lack of focus in class can point to emotional or psychological stress.
- Physical Complaints: Just like adults, children can experience physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or trouble sleeping when they’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
How You Can Help Adults and Children:
- Be Present and Listen: Whether it’s an adult or a child, sometimes the best support is simply being there and listening. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their feelings, and offer empathy without judgment.
- Model Healthy Behavior: Show children how to manage stress by practicing mindfulness, taking breaks, or talking openly about feelings. When kids see adults taking care of themselves, they are more likely to do the same.
- Offer a Safe Space for Emotions: Let children know it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or anxious, and that they can come to you when they feel overwhelmed. Adults also benefit from having a safe, non-judgmental space to express themselves.
- Encourage Support Networks: If an adult or child is struggling, encourage them to lean on their support networks—friends, family, or teachers. For children, helping them recognize trusted adults they can talk to, like teachers or counselors, is key.
- Professional Support: If signs of deeper distress emerge, whether in an adult or child, encourage them to speak to a professional. A therapist or counselor can offer tools to help cope with holiday pressures and emotions.
By teaching children how to recognize these signs in themselves and others, and encouraging them to talk about their feelings, we can help them develop emotional resilience. Let’s be mindful of each other this holiday season, and extend a hand to those who might need it.
