Symptoms
Unexplained Physical Pain: Frequent complaints of stomachaches or headaches without a clear medical cause serve as a hallmark of SSD. The physical pain is genuine and often a manifestation of emotional distress.
Sleep Disturbances: Children experiencing SSD may find it challenging to regulate their emotions, leading to sleep disturbances and further exacerbating their condition.
Nutritional Changes: Altered eating habits, either excessive or insufficient, can be linked to emotional struggles induced by prolonged screen exposure.
Hydration Fluctuations: SSD may impact a child’s ability to maintain a regular and healthy hydration routine contributing to their overall physical discomfort.
Anxiety and Stress: Excessive worry, fear, or tension can contribute to physical symptoms in children experiencing SSD.
Causes
Major Life Changes: Significant life events such as divorce, family conflict, bullying, or academic pressure can overwhelm children, manifesting in physical complaints.
Communication Challenges: Children who struggle to verbalize their feelings may unconsciously express them through bodily symptoms like stomachaches or headaches.
Heightened Sensitivity: Some children are naturally more aware of their physical sensations, and stress can amplify these perceptions, leading to perceived illness. SSD may be more pronounced in children with heightened sensitivity to their own bodily experiences.
Mental Health Co-occurrence: Anxiety, depression, or trauma can co-occur with SSD, further complicating the overall picture. Addressing the underlying mental health challenges is crucial for effectively managing and treating SSD in children.
Isolation due to Excessive Screen Time: Excessive use of screen time in children can lead them to bottle up their emotions and isolate themselves from everyone. SSD may, therefore, be a consequence of social withdrawal caused by prolonged digital engagement.
Treatment for SSD
Screen Time Limits: Establish age-appropriate screen time limits to promote real-world engagement. Encourage activities that foster social interaction and physical movement, reducing the negative impact of excessive screen exposure.
Regular Exercise: Physical activity has been proven to positively impact mental health and can serve as a therapeutic measure for children experiencing SSD.
Emotional Expression: Foster an environment where children feel comfortable expressing emotions. Encourage open communication and provide outlets for children to articulate their feelings, reducing the need for physical symptoms as an expression of distress.
Counseling or Therapy: Counseling to address underlying emotional distress is essential. Professional support can help children navigate and process their emotions healthily and constructively.
Consistent Sleep Routines: A structured sleep schedule can positively impact a child’s emotional well-being, contributing to the overall management of SSD.
Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining the body’s resilience against the physical toll of emotional distress associated with SSD.
Parental Involvement: Parents should stay involved in a child’s life, offering support and understanding. A strong support system at home can significantly contribute to a child’s emotional well-being, reducing the severity of SSD symptoms.
(The author is Dr. Sushma Gopalan, a Child Psychologist – Child Life Specialist, Pediatrics & Neonatology at Aster CMI, Hospital, Bangalore)
