How Are We Stressing Our Children in Modern Life? On ADHD and Attachment Theory

Autism

Today, we are facing a major crisis regarding children's mental health. Research shows that one in five children does not go through childhood without experiencing a serious mental illness. Anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and similar conditions are increasing day by day. But why? Why are these children under so much stress?

Attachment Security: The Foundation of Childhood Mental Health

Studies on child development indicate that the first three years are critical for brain development. Growing up with emotional security directly affects a child's mental and cognitive health in later years. However, modern lifestyles threaten this secure attachment process.

Spending long hours in daycare or with babysitters at an early age can weaken a child's attachment security. Physical and emotional contact between a mother and baby is vital for regulating the baby's stress levels through the cortisol hormone. When mothers cannot spend enough time with their babies in the early years, children become more prone to anxiety, depression, and ADHD in later years.

The Link Between ADHD and Stress

Some experts argue that ADHD is not a "disorder" but rather a stress response. When children are exposed to chronic stress at an early age, the amygdala—the part of the brain that regulates stress responses—becomes excessively enlarged. This causes children to remain in a constant “fight or flight” state.

If a child has difficulty focusing, is constantly moving, or exhibits aggressive behavior, it is most likely due to an overloaded stress system in the brain. However, today's healthcare system often chooses to prescribe medication rather than investigate the root cause of these symptoms. But the real question we should be asking is: Why is the child under so much stress?

Ways to Protect Children from Stress

• Ensure that the child spends as much time as possible with their mother during the first three years.

• Emotional needs should not be ignored, and the attachment process should be consciously supported.

• When choosing a daycare or babysitter, it is essential to consider whether they meet the child's emotional needs.

• Parents should spend both quality and sufficient time with their children.

• For children displaying ADHD symptoms, environmental stress factors should be evaluated first.

Research on child development clearly shows the long-term impact of parental involvement and emotional attachment on mental health. However, the busyness of modern life, economic pressures, and societal expectations prevent parents from spending enough time with their children.

If we want our children to grow up as healthy individuals, we must understand the stress factors they are exposed to at an early age and minimize them as much as possible. Instead of simply suppressing ADHD and similar mental health issues with medication, we should address the underlying causes and ensure that our children experience a truly healthy development process.

Erkan Yalçınkaya