Stress is a natural reaction to life’s challenges and demands. It’s the body’s way of responding to pressure, whether that pressure comes from school, social situations or other responsibilities. For teens, stress can be very common. They can face daily challenges that make them feel pressured or anxious. Stress levels have been on the rise in recent years, according to the American Psychological Association. As a parent, it’s important to recognize the signs of stress in your teen and help them find healthy ways to cope.
Types of stress
There are two kinds of stress that can affect people, including teens:
- Healthy stress — Healthy stress is a small amount of stress that can be healthy to experience. It can motivate your teen to study for their exams, meet deadlines or prepare for big events. It can help them with their performance and focus.
- Unhealthy stress — When stress becomes overwhelming or constant, it can turn into unhealthy or chronic stress. Unhealthy stress can have a negative impact on your teen’s mental and physical health.
Causes of stress in teens
There are many things that can cause teens stress, including:
- schoolwork and academic pressure
- peer pressure
- social media
- family expectations
- extracurricular activities
- uncertainty about the future
Effects of stress on teens
Your teen may not always express when they’re feeling stressed, which is why it’s important for you to recognize the signs and toll they can take on your teen. Here are 12 ways that stress can take a toll on your teen:
- Mood changes — Stress can cause your teen to experience mood swings, irritability or even feelings of sadness. They may be more withdrawn, anxious or angry than usual.
- Behavior changes — You may notice changes in your teen’s behavior. They may start procrastinating more, lose interest in hobbies or activities they usually enjoy, or have grades start to drop. Your teen may turn to risky behaviors such as substance use, reckless activities or self-harm in an attempt to cope with stress.
- Appetite changes — Stress can have an effect on appetite. Your teen may eat more than usual when they’re stressed, or they may lose their appetite and eat less.
- Avoidance or isolation — Your teen may avoid situations that cause them stress by skipping school or withdrawing from social activities. They may also isolate themselves, spending more time alone in their room or avoiding going to family gatherings.
- Sleep challenges — Stress can cause your teen to experience insomnia or have a hard time sleeping, which can cause fatigue and difficulty focusing during the day.
- Headaches and stomachaches — Chronic stress can be linked to physical symptoms such as tension headaches, migraines or even stomach issues.
- Weakened immune system — Ongoing stress can cause your teen’s immune response to lower, which can make them more likely to get sick.
- Difficulty concentrating — Your teen may have a hard time staying focused on schoolwork, which can cause their academic performance to decline.
- Memory issues — High levels of stress can have an impact on memory, which can make it harder for your teen to retain information or study effectively.
- Relationship struggles — Stress can cause tension in friendships, romantic relationships or family dynamics. Your teen may struggle with emotional regulation and communication due to stress, leading to relationship strains.
- Self-esteem issues — Stress can cause your teen to become overly critical and doubt their abilities, which can affect their self-esteem.
- Mental health conditions — If left unmanaged, chronic stress can cause your teen to develop a mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, depression, anorexia or bulimia.
If you notice any of these signs in your teen, it’s essential that you take time to talk to them about how they’re feeling. Supporting your teen can help mitigate the adverse effects of stress.
How to help your teen learn how to handle their stress
As a parent, you play an essential role in helping your teen learn how to manage their stress. You can help support them in the following ways:
- Encouraging open communication — Make sure your teen knows that they can always come to you when they’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed. You can create a safe space for them to express their feelings without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Teaching healthy coping strategies — Help your teen learn ways to manage their stress effectively. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques and physical activity can help reduce stress levels. Encourage your teen to take breaks, get enough quality sleep and do activities they enjoy.
- Modeling healthy stress management — Your teen looks to you for cues on how to handle stress. You can make sure you’re modeling healthy coping skills yourself by taking time to relax, exercise, or talk about your own challenges and ways you manage your stress.
- Limiting screen time and social media — Social media can be a big contributor to stress, especially if your teen is feeling pressured to keep up with their peers. Encourage them to take breaks from their screens and focus on face-to-face interactions.
- Seeking professional help — If your teen’s stress seems overwhelming or it’s affecting their daily life, consider getting help from a counselor or therapist. Professional guidance can give your teen the tools they need to manage their stress in a healthy way.
Embrace U can help your teen manage their stress
At Embrace U, our compassionate, personalized approach to adolescent mental health is designed to provide the tools and support they need to manage stress and build resilience. With tailored intensive outpatient programs and a focus on empathy, we can help teens navigate their mental health struggles and find a path toward emotional well-being. If your teen is struggling with stress and needs more support than traditional therapy can provide, we can help them regain control and move forward with confidence.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.