Everyone has a hard time in their teenage years to some extent. Adolescent stress is something which everyone experiences as a teenager. Many things can contribute to adolescent stress, such as the physical changes and hormonal shifts which are a natural part of puberty. Adolescents are also learning how to cope with their growing and changing bodies and emotions, even as they struggle with becoming adults and making important decisions for themselves. All of these factors can lead to adolescent stress.
All of the following situations or events are stressful for adolescents:
- parents separating
- moving to a new house or a new city
- new school
- a death in the family
- conflicts with parents, teachers or other teenagers
- starting or ending boyfriend/girlfriend relationships
- having sex for the first time
- family problems, including an illness in the family
- financial troubles within the family
- living in a neighborhood which is dangerous
- physical changes in the body
- being pressured to succeed atcademically (by teachers, parents, peers or themselves)
- low self esteem and a poor self image
Of course, all of these things could cause stress in adults too. Adolescents, however have less control over their lives and tend to cope with stress differently than do adults.
Every teenager experiences stress. They may show this by:
- irritability and mood swings
- anxiety, worrying
- withdrawal from other people
- using alcohol or drugs
- becoming physically ill
Here are some things a person can do to relieve stress. Some of them are immediate, for use when you feel most anxious, angry or panicky. Others are long term techniques that will help your hormones and emotions to stabilize.
- watching or reading something humorous
- listening to relaxing music
- talk to friends or play with your pets
- exercise regularly
- eat a healthy diet which is rich in fresh vegetables and fruits
- avoid stimulants and other chemicals (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, sugar, tobacco, alcohol and drugs), especially when experiencing stress
- learn deep breathing and other relaxation techniques
- practice yoga, tai chi or meditation
- learn better communication skills; learn to tell people how you feel or what you want in a way which is assertive, but not threatening
- breaking down overwhelming problems or tasks into manageable pieces which can be completed one by one
- try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones such as affirmations
- don’t obsess on the negative
If you are experiencing a level of stress which is compromising your health or your quality of life, then you may find that stress management training can help. You’ll learn some valuable stress management techniques such as those listed above ? even to the point of eliminating stress as it arises!
It is important to remember that some degree of stress is unavoidable. It’s how you cope with the stress in your life that matters; adolescent stress can be managed.
