Stress is the body’s response to pressure, challenges, or demands that feel overwhelming. Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope.
- Common things that can cause stress for teens include
- School demands and frustrations
- Negative thoughts or feelings about themselves
- Changes in their bodies
- Problems with friends and/or peers at school
- Unsafe living environment/neighborhood
- Separation or divorce of parents
- Chronic illness or severe problems in the family
- Death of a loved one
- Moving or changing schools
- Taking on too many activities or having too high expectations
- Family financial problems
Stress can be both positive (helping with motivation) and negative (causing anxiety, frustration, or exhaustion). However, some teens can become overloaded with stress.
Common signs of stress in teens include mood swings, trouble sleeping, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and feeling overwhelmed. Managing stress through healthy habits like exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to someone can help reduce its impact.
