Concerns about how stress affects teens extend to their parents, peers, and teachers. From time to time, people of all ages experience stress. It’s a normal part of life, and, under some circumstances, stress could be beneficial. When teens experience stress, it helps them develop coping skills. However, if you believe the stress your teen is experiencing is too overwhelming, there are things you can do to help. One of them may include reaching out to an adolescent treatment center in North Carolina. 

Understanding the Causes of Teen Stress

It isn’t uncommon to want to know the causes when you have concerns about how stress affects teens. Here are some potential causes of teen stress:

• Exams, homework, and school
• Extracurricular activities and other commitments
• Family and parents placing expectations and pressure on teens to do well in school
• Having a lot to do and feeling overwhelmed or unprepared
• Life challenges, including employment or leaving school
• Not getting enough sleep
• Social relationships with boyfriends, girlfriends, and friends

Some Statistics About How Stress Affects Teens

A 2018 study available by the American Psychological Association indicates that teens experience worse mental health, including higher levels of depression and anxiety, compared to any other age group. In a 2018 survey by the American College Health Association, findings show us that out of the 26,000 college students responding, between 40 and 60% experienced depression or anxiety that year.

When Teens Experience High Levels of Stress

Most teenagers experience situations that result in stress and tension. Helping them understand that this is a normal part of life is the first step toward coping with and building strength from stress. It isn’t uncommon for several sources of stress to pile up on teens. That could result in aggressive behavior or depression. Some teenagers also battle stress by drinking, getting into fights, smoking, or using drugs. In such cases, a teen intervention center may be necessary. 

The adults in these teen’s life can assist them the best by being understanding. In doing so, they’re showing teens that they’re not alone and that, as adults, we also experience stress. By setting this example, adults can teach teens how to overcome the stress they’re experiencing, as well as any other related issues. Adults can get involved with their teen, and, in addition to learning how stress affects teens, they’ll show them how to work through it in positive and productive ways.

Looking for the Signs of Stress in Teens

If you notice your teen is going through a challenging time, there might be changes in their behavior. There might also be other signals presenting that indicate they’re going through high levels of stress. Here are some examples:

• Feeling irritable about others or themselves
• Going to be later than usual or can’t sleep as well as they used to
• Having difficulty with concentration
• Not eating as well as they should or used to
• Saying they have headaches, are tired all the time, or have stomach issues
• Seems disengaged, down, fatigued, or panicky
• Wants to avoid school or friends

Helping When Learning How Stress Affects Teens

When you’re learning about the causes and signs regarding how stress affects teens, there are ways you can help. If you suspect your teen is experiencing more stress than they can handle, talk to them. During that conversation, try to figure out what’s happening and why they’re having these feelings. Identifying to trigger for their stress makes it a lot easier to help them address the issue. Treating the cause also helps teens learn how to manage this stress healthily. At a mental health treatment center, we can help your teen attain this goal. 

Final Thoughts

Do you have concerns regarding how stress affects teens? Are you noticing that your teen is experiencing an overwhelming level of stress? No one should have to navigate through these challenging times without support. Contact Foothills at Red Oak at 866.300.5275 to learn more about reducing your teen’s stress and how we can help.