Flick through any health or lifestyle magazine and no doubt you will find at least one article written for adults, by adults, that focus on the ultimate work / life balance and tips on how to minimise daily stress. While teenagers may not be raising a family or working full time sadly many are still under a lot of pressure from their daily responsibilities. Too commonly the effects go unnoticed by parents, teachers and peers, and the teenagers can be at risk of slipping through the cracks without support or guidance.
We know too well that the effects of stress, when left unattended, can creep up on us like a dark thunderous cloud leaving us feeling overwhelmed, tired and anxious (not to mention a host of other symptoms). Teenagers tend to try and manage and cram into their lives a variety of daily activities like studying late into the night, juggling sports, having a social life, running to a schedule, family disruptions as well as just having everyday issues all of which add to emotional stress. While adults are more likely to recognise signs of stress within themselves, sometimes teenagers may miss these important signs that they are in need of additional support or access to activities that can help them manage their stress. They could even find it hard to tell someone how they are feeling, particularly if they are not coping. As a parent this is concerning in itself, however one of the best strategies as a parent if you are concerned about your teenager is to look out for one or more of the following symptoms:
- Losing interest in things they once enjoyed
- Not eating or sleeping well
- Wanting to be alone / avoiding friends and family
- Daydreaming
- Procrastinating
- Sudden drop of school grades
- Feeling guilty or not worthy
- Showing extreme emotions – anger / sadness (overreacting)
- Worrying constantly about appearance
- Feelings of being afraid
- Constant headaches / stomach aches
- Forgetfulness
- Withdraw from social situations
- Inability to concentrate well or make decisions
- Turning to drugs / alcohol
- Eating too much or too little
- Over exercising (obsessive)
- Takes risks
- Struggle to get up in the morning
- Feeling overwhelmed
All of the above are signs that something is not going so well and they may need support around better prioritising their life, perhaps a listening ear as well as having the support that allows them to take time out to learn new coping strategies and/or undertake stress reducing activities.
If left unattended and the stress continues over a long period of time studies have shown that brain chemistry can be affected possibly leading to depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide and complete withdrawal and loneliness.
There are many different ways to help manage and cope with stress and to allow the mind and body to relax. This could be an activity like yoga, meditation, dancing, nature, reading, listening to music.
Or a quicker simpler method of a few minutes of deep breathing and breath awareness. This is a fantastic way to relax the nervous syystem and calm the body.
If you suspect your teenager is experiencing stress or overwhelm it is important to speak with them about it, identify the issue(s) and work together in preparing an action plan to get them back on track as soon as possible. This could mean a combination of counselling, time management and stress relief activities such as yoga, breath work and meditation.