Teenage Stress
Some Important Facts About Teenage Stress
The simplest definition of stress is any type of change we go through, so it is no surprise that teenage stress is a problem far and above ordinary life stress. The teen years –ages 13 through 19 – are some of the most tumultuous times in everyone’s life. During this time of development, the body experiences major biological changes along with dramatic social and cultural growth, all of which cause hefty levels of teenage stress.
The two main causes of teenage stress are pretty obvious: hormones and high school. Teens go through dramatic chemical changes as their bodies turn from a child into an adult. This causes extreme amounts of uncontrollable stress at times, and it can be quite difficult to deal with. On top of all that, there is the social anxiety that comes with high school: worry about grades, even more worry about fitting in and dealing with serious non-family relationships for the first time in life.
There are many teen situations that can lead to stress. Things like drinking, drugs and pressure to have sex all come into play and leave teenagers with confusion, worry and even guilt. All of these emotions cause stress. There is also the pressure to succeed and be popular. Every adult remembers those awkward times and the stressful feelings they can produce.
Teenagers respond to high levels of stress in different ways, but one of the first areas that can be affected is grades. A sudden change in personality can be another sign of overwhelming stress – being unusually quiet, sleeping more than normal and over- or under-eating are classic signals that a problem may be brewing. There are subtle signs also, like headaches, stomach aches and diarrhea, that can mean a teen is suffering from significant stress.
Too much stress at a young age can be dangerous because stress can cause a number of serious illnesses, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, even cancer. It is important for young people to learn how to recognize and deal with stress at an early age so they can protect themselves from the dangers of too much stress.
One of the best ways to deal with stress is by living a healthy lifestyle. That means eating a healthy, balanced diet, getting regular exercise and sleeping enough every night. These three simple ways of life help to create an orderly life where stress points can be dealt with calmly and efficiently.
For an active teen who lives a high stress life, there are even more steps that can be taken to alleviate the stress load. Writing in a journal every day is a great way to unload feelings that might otherwise weigh down the mind. Taking time out for fun and relaxing also helps to strengthen the mind and body for the hectic times. Even the busiest teen can find some time to take a few deep breaths and laugh with friends. Their stress level will be the better for it.