Stressed teenagers have puzzled parents since the dawn of time. From overly emotional teens to those with bad attitudes, parents are concerned about their teens’ overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore teenage stress and how parents can help teens manage this difficult time in their lives.
Effects of Teenage Stress
Stress can have many different short-term and long-term effects on teens. Some can be obvious while others may go unnoticed. Symptoms of stress can be grouped into these four major categories.
Physical Health Issues
Stress can also lead to physical symptoms and health issues. These include a wide variety of problems like not eating, not sleeping, chronic fatigue, headaches, stomachaches, general malaise, and more.
Behavioral Problems
Teens who are under a lot of stress may also experience behavioral issues like irritability, mood swings, social withdrawal, and generally “acting out” in ways they didn’t before.
Mental Health Issues
Long-term stress can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.
Academic Performance
Stress can impact a teenager’s academic performance by reducing their ability to focus, leading to poor grades and missed assignments.
What Do Teens Worry About?
The causes of teenage stress are varied and dependent on many factors. With the increasing pressure and expectation to meet various standards in all areas of their lives and bodies, it’s no wonder that teens can feel stressed out. Here are four common sources of stress for teens:
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- Academic pressure
- Social expectations
- Family conflicts
- Hormonal changes
Initially, these things may seem mundane to parents, but they are real and valid issues that can have long-term consequences for your child’s development.
How Parents Can Help
Teenage stress is a common problem that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Many parents try to help but are met with resistance, so it’s important to proceed with respect for your teen’s feelings. Here are four ways you can help them deal with various types of stress:
1. Listen and be open.
One of the most important things parents can do is listen to their teens. Don’t bombard them; but remain approachable, keep an open mind, and truly listen. Encourage them to share their feelings, thoughts, and concerns with you.
2. Provide support.
Parents should provide emotional support to their teenagers during times of stress. This can include encouraging them to take breaks, offering distractions, helping them manage their time, and providing a safe space to vent.
3. Model healthy behaviors.
Parents can model healthy behaviors such as exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to help their teens learn healthy ways to cope with stress.
4. Seek professional help.
If a teenager is struggling with stress, it may be helpful to seek professional help. This can include therapy or counseling, which can help teens learn stress management and coping strategies and build resilience.
Parents can play an important role in helping their teenagers manage stress. With the right approach, parents can help their teens navigate this challenging time and emerge stronger and more resilient.
For more information, please call Options Family
or reach out online at your convenience.
