Listlessness in children – causes, treatment and prevention

A lack of drive in children means that they are unable to muster enough motivation, for example for school, homework, but also for friends, hobbies, etc. The lack of drive leads to a decrease in performance on the one hand, but also to increasing social isolation on the other and a retreat. A pronounced lack of drive is ultimately also noticeable in one’s well-being.

Pulling yourself together for an activity can become an almost hopeless challenge when you are listless. The child is powerless, no longer takes the initiative, is quickly exhausted and sometimes apathetic. Every movement seems to be too much because of the lack of drive and momentum. Even simple everyday activities require a great deal of effort. In this case, the body pulls the emergency brake because it wants a little more rest and relaxation. Facial expressions, gestures and verbal expression are also usually reduced. The child often sits passively for hours without doing anything.

Causes

A lot of demands are also placed on children nowadays, for example in kindergarten and at school, but also during the numerous leisure activities. In addition, we live in a modern age in which the most diverse media such as TV and computer games occupy a very large place. However, all this is extremely taxing for the child’s brain . Therefore, one hour a day should not be exceeded for these activities.All-day school, in which there is high pressure to perform and excessive demands, disputes with classmates or parents, a full program of various leisure activities and excessive television, computer and smartphone consumption, often overwhelm the children and do not allow them to relax. The reason for listlessness in children can also be that the parents flood the child with too many stimuli, for example by pushing it into various courses. This does not teach children how to occupy themselves and develop themselves. Lack of drive is therefore a very common symptom, which does not necessarily indicate a physical or mental illness.

However, if there is a constant feeling of heaviness and sleep that no longer brings recovery, which lasts for several weeks, the symptoms of listlessness in children should be clarified diagnostically. It should always be borne in mind that children of all ages can also develop depression, especially in preschool and elementary school. A lack of drive is also typical of depression in children. In addition, their mood is often depressed and fears of new tasks are developed. Affected children withdraw from their friends and activities. They would prefer to just stay at home. They often complain of headaches and stomachaches .

Diseases

• Depression

• anxiety disorders

• Mental disorders

Diagnosis and course

In order to diagnose listlessness in children, a detailed medical history is very important. Questions about the vegetative state and the social situation play a decisive role here. The listlessness can come on suddenly, but it can also develop gradually over weeks or months. Ultimately, there is always a significant drop in performance. A psychogenic listlessness in particular is insidious, since it can perhaps improve on its own without therapy or other measures, but it is also possible that it lasts for years despite therapy. It is therefore always important to observe children closely in order to identify possible changes at an early stage, to determine the causes and to take countermeasures.

Treatment and therapy

When children are listless, a good, loving and trusting relationship with their parents is the best medicine. You should be the first point of contact who is on hand with help and advice. It is also important to recognize the causes and, above all, to be patient, because if children are unable to pull themselves together due to depression, can no longer get out of bed, bring bad grades home with them, etc., then they are not lazy but sick. In this case, medical treatment is required.

However, there is also a short-term listlessness that is normal and therefore does not require treatment. This can be eliminated through adequate leisure time activities and conscious time management. It should also be checked whether the child is getting enough sleep, as constant tiredness can also have a negative effect on energy and cause exhaustion . Sometimes motivation is the key to success to counteract the listlessness in children.

Shy children in particular like to withdraw and isolate themselves. The child should be supported in gaining self-confidence, for example through a hobby that gives him validation. At the same time, it gets to know other children and can make social contacts. It is also helpful to invite classmates over. Basically, when children are listless, the closest social environment of the offspring should be considered.

Prevention

If you notice a lack of drive in your own child over a longer period of time, the consumption of TV, computer, games, etc. should be checked. If necessary, the duration must be limited. In return, perhaps there is a lack of sleep. Poor nutrition also makes you listless, for example high-calorie food that is difficult to digest. Food rich in vitamins is important.

In addition, care should be taken to drink enough, because not only a lack of vitamins and minerals cause listlessness, but also a lack of fluids. Exercise is also important in the fight against listlessness, especially in the fresh air. This stimulates the circulation, metabolism and blood flow. It is also very important that social contacts are maintained in order to avoid social withdrawal from the start.