Teenage Stress
Yes, it’s true. Children do experience stress; especially teenagers. A teenager’s stress can be caused by anything. Whether it is because their boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with them or because they have had an acne breakout on their face, the teen years can include real stress. These can sound like little things to an adult, but to a teenager they can seem like the end of the world.
A teenager is just as prone to stress as any adult. It’s just that stress can be caused by different factors. In the adult, it could be the loss of a job or the big promotion that they just received. Just because teenagers won’t have these types of experiences for a few more years does not mean that they are invincible to stress.
It could be that that big fight they had with their best friend or even the development of acne could cause the level of stress that an adult would have when they experience a loss of a child. In comparison, these things would normally not be related, but the priorities of a teenager are nothing like the priorities of the adult. So something than seems small to the adult, like getting rid of acne can be a huge issue for the teenager.
Also, teenagers can be very tough on themselves; whether or not they are striving for perfection with their grades or with sport, this can be a stress producer in itself. The negative talk or the negative way that they portray themselves is not good for the stress levels either.
Teenagers need to learn stress management skills, just as adults should. Being able to control one’s stress level can improve one’s health and prevent health related problems, such as heart disease, later in their life.
What can teenagers do to reduce their stress level?
Find a hobby. When a person enjoys doing something, their level of stress will become lower. So becoming involved in sports or art or another hobby can work wonders for a teenager’s stress level. Other things that a teenager could do to help reduce their stress level are to improve their eating habits and to get a regular amount of exercise. They need to also learn how to relax.
Teenagers can have very busy lives. They can hold part-time jobs, play sports and basically be involved in just about anything. Learning how to relax can prove to be very beneficial to them. Sometimes, just like the adult, a teenager may need to just take a “time out” from everything. Developing a regularly scheduled “me” time would help tremendously.
Although they are not yet adults, it is important to remember that teens do have stress. Parents can help their teenager reduce their stress levels in several ways. These include:
1. Listen carefully to your teenager. They may not be intending to do so but they are sending signals. If you see signs of overload, whether it be with academics, friends or sports, try to curtail the situation before it gets out of hand.
2. Provide your teenager with support. Help them to foster interest in a wide range of activities like social groups or sports.
3. Model behavior. If you are using stress management tools, you will be providing a model behavior for your child. Even if you think they aren’t, they are paying attention.
In the end, help your child by supporting them in any way that you can. Because we are adults we generally deal with stress better. Teenagers may sometimes feel that stress is too overwhelming to deal with leading to deeper problems.
About the Author
Lance is an ex-patriot Australian living in Taiwan running a business consulting company. His grasp of the Chinese language ranges from poor to laughable and in most circumstances his actual use of the Chinese language results in laughter. Getting Rid of Acne
