Helping Your Teenager Cope With Everyday Stress: Teaching The Techniques

Some teens may be overloaded with stress.  If the stress remains unmanaged it can lead to serious problems with anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, physical illness, or alcohol or drug abuse.  Teenagers experience everyday stress just as adults do and can learn from stress management techniques.  Teenagers can experience stress when they believe they are in a situation they can’t handle or is dangerous to them.  They need ways to cope with the changes that are happening in their life.

Some stresses that a teenager may face include:

* School demands and frustrations.  Increased homework overload and expectations of parents to get high grades.
* Teenagers are at a stage in their life when they may begin to have negative feelings about their body themselves and their body.
* The changes that are occurring in their bodies may cause stress and anxiety.  The hormones that are causing changes in their bodies and it may cause them discomfort or anxiety.  Maybe a boy’s voice hasn’t changed yet, or the young woman has not developed a shape.
* Separation or divorce between their parents can put extra stress on a teenager.  If the separation is not friendly the teen may be torn between his parents, especially when it is decided where they will live.
* Changing schools may become a source of stress for a teenager.  A parent may be getting a promotion that includes a move to another city.  A teen may have misgivings about how he will be accepted at another school.  Also, with the corporate world in the turmoil it is in, maybe a parent has lost a job and the teen is forced to change schools.
* Family financial problems may also cause stress to a teenager.  There may be extra pressure to work at a part-time job to help contribute to the family expenses and may feel pressure from keeping up with schoolwork and a job.
* One of the most devastating events that can happen to a teen is a chronic illness or death of a loved one.  Too many emotions, pent up feelings, and emotional stress can cause mental and physical stress on their body.

Parents can help their teen in several ways to cope with stress.  If they notice that stress is affecting them emotionally or physically, sit down with them and see if they will talk about their feelings and thoughts.  Listen carefully to them without being judgmental.  Allow them the freedom to express those emotions they are holding inside.  Learn stress management skill of your own so you can adequately help your teen manage their stress.  Be an example of an adult that is able to manage stress.

Teens can reduce stress in their life by eating and exercising regularly.  Avoid drinking too much caffeine, illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.  Learn relaxation methods such as deep breathing techniques and muscle relaxation.  Learn to say no to your peers.  If you have something looming that looks impossible to finish, break it down into smaller parts and the job will be easier to finish.

Finally, build a network of friends who support and care for you.  Good friends can help you cope with stressful situations in a positive way.