What is Teenage Stress and Anxiety?

By: Carmel A. Collins

Stress is a natural part of every young person’s life. Stress is any change, internal or external, positive or negative, to which a young person must adapt; simply, “stress is anything that causes physical and/or mental wear and tear on the body and mind” (Joyce V. Fetro, Personal & Social Skills, 2000).

Students’ stress is usually related to everyday experiences, worries and challenges at school, home, in the community and within their peer group. For example, young people may experience stress resulting from bullying, social isolation, not getting what they want, body image, academic difficulties, unsettled family life, and unsafe neighborhoods. While each student will respond to and resolve stress differently, the impact of ongoing and/or unresolved stress can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, poor concentration, aggression, physical illness, fatigue, sleep disturbance and poor coping skills such as tobacco, drug and/or alcohol use. Therefore, young people, like adults, can benefit from learning and practicing stress management skills and relaxation techniques. Students who develop such techniques and skills learn how to feel and cope better without hurting themselves or others. Identifying and acknowledging the causes of stress and their triggers can be the most effective way at preventing the onset of stress. In addition, having the ability to express feelings related to stress can also be an effective skill at reducing stress.

For all of us, anxiety is a normal reaction to stress. Things like tests, meeting new people, speaking in public, going on a date, and competing in sports can make us feel apprehensive or uneasy. But some teenagers react more strongly to stressful situations than others. Even thinking about the situations may cause them great distress.

Anxiety can be a good thing when it helps you deal with a tense situation. For example, when you're studying for a test, a little anxiety can make you want to study hard so you do well. But at other times, anxiety can be harmful, especially when it is excessive and irrational, and prevents you from being able to focus and be relaxed.

Sometimes the anxiety can come between friends, especially when you avoid going out with them or calling them because you're too panicked or tense. This level of anxiety is harmful and that's when you need to do something to feel less anxious so you can fully enjoy your teenage life.

Many teenagers find ways to cope with the high anxiety they feel and some need guidance and tools. It's important to recognize your emotions, to know what you're feeling and why you're feeling that way. Recognizing the types of situations that cause your anxiety is helpful towards managing it. Sometimes just admitting that a situation is stressful and being prepared to deal with it can reduce your anxiety.

General behaviors and techniques that will help students manage anxiety and stress;

Eat healthy meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables Maintain daily routine and schedule Exercise regularly Avoid caffeine (can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation) Do things you enjoy (for example: art, listening to music, being outdoors, dancing, writing poetry, reading, etc.) Get good amounts of rest and sleep Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs. State feelings in a clear way (for example: "I feel angry when you yell at me." Decrease negative self talk (for example: transform "My grades will never get any better." to "I may not being doing to well now, but my grades can improve if I get extra help and I do all my homework.") Be with friends who help you cope in a positive way Learn relaxation techniques (such as: deep breathing muscle relaxation, meditation) Talk to caring adults Humor/laughter December 2017 December 2017 • • www.maineea.org www.maineea.org