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From academic pressure, extracurriculars to family and societal expectations— teens have more to stress about than some adults think.
Stress is a natural part of life and in some cases can be healthy. It’s normal for both teens and adults to struggle from stress and the challenges of everyday life. However, if stress becomes chronic or long-term, it can increase the risk of underlying mental health problems in teens.
Adolescence is a sensitive period for the brain, making it more prone to receiving the negative impact of stress. Understanding the causes, effects and healthy ways to cope can help parents support their teen through periods of stress.
Understanding What Makes Teen Stress Special
The teen years are an exciting time for personal growth and identity exploration, however, this period of development can also make the teen brain more vulnerable to stress and mental health disorders. During moments of stress, the brain goes into survival mode and the body is flooded with stress hormones. Too much of these stress hormones can contribute to an increased risk of anxiety, depression and physical health issues.
Sometimes parents may wonder what their teens could be stressed over. Stress is a natural response that can arise with any challenge, transition or change. Understanding the difference between adult stress and teenage stress can help teach parents what makes teen stress special.
Teen vs Adult Stress | Teen | Adult |
Source | School, peers, transitions, family | Work, finances, kids, health problems |
Time of Day | Levels of cortisol tend to be higher in the evenings or before bed | Stress levels are usually higher in the mornings |
Response | Increased heart rate, fatigue, irritability, changes in sleep/appetite, hormonal problems | Same as teens but may have more of an impact on blood pressure, cholesterol & weight fluctuations. May have less of an impact on hormones |
What Causes Stress in Teens?
Although teens may not have all of the same stressors as adults, there are several causes that can cause teens stress. These can be everyday stressors such as homework and school, or more severe events such as bullying or the loss of a loved one. Some common causes of stress in teens include:
- Academics
- Bullying, gossip, rumors
- Conflict with friends/peers
- Lack of sleep
- Lack of movement
- Using drugs & alcohol
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- Family instability
- Divorce of parents
- Grief
- Medical injury or illness
- Thoughts of the future/adulthood
- Low self-esteem & negative body image
- Discrimination (racial, cultural or sexual orientation)
- Identity exploration
- Underlying mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
Recognize The Signs
Teen stress can present itself in several ways. It’s helpful for parents to be mindful of the warning signs of stress in teens to provide proper support & intervention:
- Irritability
- Isolation
- Changes in sleep/appetite
- Fatigue
- Low self-esteem
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance abuse
Stress and Depression
As mentioned above, chronic stress can increase the risk of depression in teens. There are multiple factors that can drive the connection between stress and depression. High stress levels may impact a teens’ social battery, causing them to become more isolated. This can lead to symptoms of depression.
On a biological level, there are a number of things happening in the brain during moments of stress. Patients who suffer from depression were found to have higher levels of cortisol and glucocorticoids in their blood & tissue. These are stress hormones that the body releases when it is stressed.
Stress also stimulates nerve cells in the brain as a way to be hyper aware and protect the body from any danger. However, if neurons become too overstimulated they can become exhausted and damaged. This neuron burnout can lead to depression. Inflated levels of stress hormones can also disrupt neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, two brain chemicals associated with symptoms of depression.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress is the first stage of the fight or flight response. Teens may feel more energetic, irritable, and hyper aware. This is the brain’s way of preparing for danger when faced with a threat. However, when the body stays in this state, it can lead to anxiety.
Anxiety is an elevated, persistent stress response. Unlike stress, anxiety is a response to sometimes a perceived or non-existent situation. Teens may feel stressed about an upcoming exam, which is normal. But if they are feeling stressed every morning before school, this could indicate an anxiety disorder.
Stress Reduction Strategies for Parents & Teens
It’s important to be mindful of the warning signs of stress to support your teen with whatever they are going through. Some strategies for parents to help their teens reduce stress can include:
- Promoting mindfulness in the home (journaling, yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises)
- Actively listening and validating their experiences
- Make sure they get 8 hours of sleep
- Encourage sports or extracurriculars
- Nutritious diet
- Keep them active
- Model positive stress management in your own life
Each teen may have their own way of dealing with stress. However, some common stress reduction techniques for teens could include:
- Listen to music
- Talk to friends, family or loved ones
- Get creative (dance, make art, do a craft project)
- Take a cold shower or put cold water on your face
- Distract yourself until stress passes (watch a movie or Netflix series, listen to a podcast)
- Go on a walk
- Volunteer in the community
- Play with a pet
- Laugh at memes
When to Seek Professional Help
If you identify warning signs of stress or mental health problems in your teen, reach out for professional support to help find the best plan of treatment. At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understands the complex nature of teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Sources
Dean Burnett, Neuroscientist. The Link Between Stress & Depression. The Guardian.
Leslie received a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Leslie approaches clinical work through the lens of person-centered and utilizes techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. As a leader, Leslie values the relationship she has with her clinical team and prioritizes their needs for the success of the girls’ campus. When not at work Leslie enjoys volunteering at her church and spending time with her husband and fur baby, Sabel.
