Reasons for Stress on Teenagers

Stress isn't only experienced by adults. Teenagers can also experience serious cases of stress that is caused by more than overactive hormones and an acne breakout. In fact, serious cases of personal stress can result in physical, emotional and/or behavioral changes, eating disorders, depression, and in extreme cases, suicide.

Most teenagers do not know what initially causes their stress, and may not be aware that what they are experiencing is stress, or not know how to treat it. Moreover, many teens are not aware what can happen to their health and wellbeing if stress isn't treated.

Most cases of teenage stress are usually a result of pent up emotions that go unexpressed because teens feel as if no one will understand their situation, or think their problems trivial. Moreover, due to the fact that the vast majority of teens have a hard time discussing personal problems with their parents, or may not have a good friend they can confide in, the emotional stress they feel grows, and they isolate themselves further.

Causes of teenage stress include, but are not limited to:

School demands
Learning disability
Family, friends or relationship issues
The end of a friendship or relationship
Trouble making friends
Family financial issues
High expectations of self
Balancing work and school
Living with a tight schedule - Involved in too many activities always on the go
Changing schools
Divorced parents
Bodily changes
Death of a loved one
Chronic illness
Living in an unsafe community
Persistent negative thoughts and emotions
Peer pressure
Being bullied

Some symptoms that stressed teens may exhibit include, but are not limited to:

Headache
Fatigue
Sweaty palms
Acne breakout
Pounding heart
Mood swings
Irritability
Overemotional or sudden crying
Forgetfulness
Poor coordination
Poor concentration
Disinterest
Negativity

One of the best ways teens can release stress is to express their emotions. This can be done through writing, music, talking with friends, or with someone they can trust such as a teacher or guidance councilor. Therefore, it is important that they know there are other people they can turn to when feeling down.

Furthermore, teens should be encouraged to take breaks, lower their intake of stimulants (IE caffeinated and sugared beverages), increase their intake of water, eat breakfast and engage in exercise.

Just like adults, if teens don't take care of chronic stress, it can develop into dangerous health issues as previously mentioned. Thus, if regular methods of stress management are not helping a teen cope, seek the help of your health care professional for treatment.

Finally, don't forget, not all stress is bad. Acute stress is actually normal, and is usually stress one feels during an exam, going out on a first date, or scoring the final goal that will win the game. This pressure tells you how important actions are to the task at hand. Thus, in these certain situations, although there is no danger, the stress we may feel helps to keep us alert and ready for anything.

You need to find out what is causing your stress and take the next step by incorporating stress relief methods in your life.