Identifying the Triggers.
Tension-type headaches are triggered by emotional stress related to family, school or schoolmates, or friends.

• Problems and tension at home
  
  
• New brother or sister
  
  
• Parents who are either too strict or demanding, too permissive or inattentive
  
  
• Self-image, such as being overweight
  
  
• Being made fun of by other children
  
  
• No close friends
  
  
• Insufficient or irregular sleep
  
  
• Going to a new school
  
  
• Learning difficulties
  
  
• Competing in activities or sports
  
  
• Pressure to be an "A" student
  
  
• Too many extracurricular activities
  
  
• Tests and exams
  
  
• Death or separation from a loved one
  (for example, a sibling going away to college or the death of a grandparent)

It is important for kids, their parents and school health care professionals to learn to identify the stressful situations or events that trigger tension-type headaches. Once the triggers are identified, adults can help the child develop ways to cope, or can help either eliminate or reduce some stressful activities.