Lowering Teen Stress Overload

Teen stress is a common problem with this generation that has never known life without cell-phones, personal computers or online socializing. And yet, the members of this techno-savvy generation are experiencing stress levels higher than previous generations.

Understanding what is causing your teen's stress is important. They are busy and often overscheduled.  They may have a job, involved in sports, deciding on college choices, worrying about a Prom, or overwhelmed with school studies. No wonder your teen feels overwhelmed.

Understanding Teen Stress

During adolescence, there are significant changes that occur physically, emotionally, socially, and even academically.  Careful consideration of these different aspects of the teen’s maturation experience can help identify has to best manage the teen stress.

Physically, your teen is experiencing many hormonal changes that influence moods, emotions and behavior.  It is not unusual for parents to find themselves dealing with a rebellious teen on occasion.  Teen anger may erupt for what seems to be an unassuming reason.  If this continues you may find your need to address adolescent anger management issues.

During this developmental time in their lives teens are best served by building their self-esteem.  Gaining confidence with a part-time job, making college decisions, and clarifying future goals can contribute to positive self esteem.  Too often teens worry about physical appearance and may struggle with weight gain issues and may become overly stressed.

If you find issues with your teens emotional roller-coaster ride, check
this article on teen depression help for resources you can put into practice immediately.  Helping your teen keep life in perspective when bad situations occur is a way that parents can be a positive influence during these challenging years.

The social life of your teenager can become complicated.  Trying to fit in with a group of friends can increase anxiety.  With all of the cyber bullying, peer pressure and teen social networking activities, a teen can be overwhelmed.   Teen anxiety can rise from the impact of bullying.  Because of social networking and texting, your teen may need this stress management tip on handling FOMO—the Fear of Missing Out on events that their friends are experiencing and texting about.

School academics is always a focus during the teen years which is why stress management for students is a continual concern. If your teen is experiencing difficulties with academics, your can lower student stress by using learning strategies that work for them.  And since school is not just about academics, enjoying social activities such as the School Prom can create positive memories.  

Here are some warning signs of teen stress.

• increases in headaches, muscle tension, stomach aches
• panic attacks and anxiety
• feeling constantly being pressured, hassled, and hurried
• anger flair-ups
• difficulty sleeping
• inability to concentrate
• constant worrying
•  increased crying and feelings of hopelessness
• chronic fatigue
  

There are several positive strategies that parents can use to help their teens have a healthy experience navigating through the adolescent years.  Here are some articles that offer insights that may work with your teen’s situation.

• Teenage Stress Management outlines ways that parents can help teens identify stressors, define success and plan for a positive future.
• Stress Management with Adolescents offers parents 3 useful strategies to help teens handle their increasingly complex world.
• Teen Stress Reducing Tips offers several concrete examples for your teen to establish stress lowering habits.
• Teenage Bullying offers a variety of helpful resources for parents.
• Teens and Stress: A New School Year is Starting handling the new academic year with a positive approach.
• Handling Girl World Conflicts offers strategies for your daughter to handle those Queen Bees.
  

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