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Between a heavy academic workload, outside activities, family and social pressures— teens have much more to stress about than some adults may think.
Stress is a normal part of life, and in some cases is healthy. Most of the time, the things that cause us stress are not dangerous, but instead come from the pressures of everyday life. However, if stress is ongoing or long-term it can release too many stress hormones that can cause physical or mental health problems.
The impact of stress on teenage mental health should be overlooked. Understanding the consequences of severe stress on teens and positive techniques to reduce this is essential for their emotional well-being and health.
Stress and Teens
The teenage years can be an exciting time for growth and self-discovery, but this period of development can also make teens more vulnerable to stress and developing mental health disorders.
During high periods of stress teens may release more chemicals and hormones that can contribute to anxiety, depression or triggering a physical health problem.
During periods of high stress, your body will react. Both physical and emotional stress can be interpreted by the brain as a threat to safety. This makes the body respond with a sudden burst of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This stress response can also be known as “fight or flight” mode.
Adult Stress vs Teenager Stress
Sometimes teen stress gets brushed off because parents think “what could teens possibly have to stress over”. Stress is a natural body response that can happen to anyone, at any age. However there may be some differences between stress that affects adults and stress that affects teens:
Adult vs Teens | Adult | Teen |
Source of Stress | Finances, work, college | Family, peer pressure, academics |
Time of Day | Stress levels tend to be higher in the mornings | Stress levels tend to be higher in the evening/night |
Stress Response | Increased heart rate and blood pressure, fatigue, Changes in sleep/appetite | Same as adults except may release higher levels of cortisol. May have more cognitive impairment from stress |
What Causes Stress in Teens?
Like adults, the everyday pressures of life can cause stress on teens. From homework, to the thought of adulthood, college or work. There are a number of factors that can influence stress levels of teens. These include:
- Academic/school pressure
- Social & peer pressure (gossiping, rumors, bullying, fights in school)
- Not getting enough sleep
- Not getting enough physical activity
- Physical, sexual or emotional abuse
- Using drugs or alcohol
- Identity exploration
- Underlying mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
- Family instability
- Grief or medical problems with a parent or close loved one
How Does Stress Affect Teens?
Stress does not only impact the mental health of teens, but can affect their bodies and physical health as well. Too much cortisol in the body can trigger autoimmune disease, stomach problems, headaches, muscle and joint pain, decrease focus, impact relationships and in some cases lead to drug or alcohol abuse.
Recognizing the initial signs of stress in teens is helpful for parents, educators and medical professionals to understand when normal levels of stress become simply too much for a teen to handle.
Recognizing The Signs of Stress In Teens
Stress in teens can manifest in a variety of ways. It’s important for parents to be mindful of the signs so they can provide early intervention.
- Insomnia
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Anxiety
How to Help A Stressed Teen
Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming, however, there are strategies that parents and teens can take to effectively manage stress and boost emotional wellbeing.
Mindfulness
Promote mindfulness in the home to help your teen live in the present. Mindfulness can teach teens to regulate their emotions and decrease stress levels. IThis can be done through deep breathing, meditation, yoga or art.
Listen and Validate
Actively listen to your teens when they are under stress without judgment, jumping in or thinking they simply have “nothing to be stressed about”. Validate their emotions and help them manage their needs and sources of stress. This can help build a sense of trust and open communication.
Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is important for the teenage brain to restore energy, increase concentration and boost emotional wellness. Think of the brain as a battery that recharges during sleep. Getting 8-10 hours of sleep is needed to feel good, do well in school, sports and stay healthy as they grow.
Model Stress Reduction Techniques
Teens learn most from observation. Modeling healthy habits in the home to reduce stress and increase emotional wellness is helpful for teens to learn and utilize as they grow into adults.
Seeking Professional Help
If you identify signs of stress in your teen that are impacting their mental health, it’s important to reach out for support to help find the best plan of treatment.
At Clearfork Academy our team of compassionate, licensed therapists understand the complex nature of stress in teens. Reach out to our Admissions team to learn more.
Mike grew up on a dairy farm in Parker County, Texas. At the age of 59, he went back to college and graduated 41 years after his first graduation from Weatherford College. God placed on his heart at that time the passion to begin to help others as they walked from addictions, alcoholism, and abuse of substances. He is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and in the past few years he has worn many hats, from intake and assessment, group counseling, individual and family counseling, intensive outpatient and now he is working with clients, therapist, and families on discharge planning and aftercare. He also coordinates our Alumni Outreach Program.
