Asthma and Self-Esteem in Children

Helping Kids with Asthma Feel Good About Themselves

(LifeWire) - Asthma and self esteem in children don't always go hand in hand. Having asthma can lead children to feel that they are different from other children. Children with asthma may be embarrassed to use an inhaler in front of classmates. Other children may tease a child with asthma about being unable to participate in certain activities, or about things such as weight gain – a side effect of some asthma medications.

Children with asthma may also worry about having an asthma attack while away from home. When school days are missed due to asthma symptoms, children can become discouraged by having to catch up with class work. Children who suffer from asthma may also experience difficulty establishing and maintaining friendships, staying motivated in school, and keeping up their self-esteem.

Why is High Self-Esteem Important for Children With Asthma?

Children with low self-esteem usually find challenges to be a source of anxiety and frustration. Children who think poorly of themselves are not easily able to find solutions to problems. If they are critical of themselves ("I'm different from everyone else." "I'm always sick."), they may become passive, withdrawn or depressed. When confronted with new challenges, the low self-esteem child's immediate response is more likely to be "I can't." Such an attitude can cause the management of asthma to be particularly difficult.

In comparison, healthy self-esteem makes it easier for children to meet the challenges of the world, including living with a chronic condition such as asthma. Kids who have a positive self-image are generally better able to cope with difficulties. These children are more likely to be both realistic and optimistic.

Researchers have also found that children who have high self-esteem may be more likely to find that their asthma symptoms don't affect their academic performance. Those with high self-esteem are more likely to regularly attend school and participate in activities. Studies have also shown that high self-esteem correlates with how children feel about their ability to solve problems, including those caused by their asthma. These positive personality characteristics can help offset the negative effects of asthma.

Signs of Poor Self-Esteem

Parents, guardians and teachers of children with asthma should be on the lookout for signs of poor self-esteem:

• Irritability
• Distractibility
• Social isolation
• Refusal to attend school
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Frequent trips to the school office or nurse
• Refusal to carry or use asthma medications or inhalers

What are Some Helpful Ways to Support Children With Asthma?

To help children cope with asthma and build a more positive self-image, parents and guardians can follow these guidelines:

• Meet with the child's teachers and school nurse to learn about their observations with the child.
• Ask the school counselor to provide support and encouragement and, when necessary, help the child deal with anxiety, the teasing of fellow classmates or poor self-esteem issues.
• Consult a physician if the child seems to be using asthma as an excuse to get out of physical activities, to stay home from school or to avoid playing with friends.
• Use a peak flow meter to make an objective evaluation of the child's asthma.
• Ask the school nurse, teacher or an outside educator to talk to the child's classmates about asthma. The more information children have about the illness, the less likely they are to tease the child that suffers with it.

If a child has ongoing problems with low self-esteem, anxiety or depression caused by the asthma, consult a mental health clinician who has experience in helping patients who live with asthma.

Attending asthma camp can also boost a child's self-esteem and help the child better cope with having the illness. Studies have shown that children with asthma who attend a special camp benefit in many ways, from feeling "normal" by being with other children like them to learning more about asthma. The total camp experience, in and of itself, also helps build socialization skills, self-confidence and high self-esteem.

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