Today’s teenagers are constantly subjected to various types of anxiety and stress. Teen stress is a serious issue today. I have seen both my teens struggle with anxiety and stress. Doing a good job parenting can be a challenge in these situations. As parents, church leaders, teachers, activity directors, and any other type of individual that deals directly with teenagers, it is essential to know and understand the amount of stress this age group faces, as well as the potential anxiety that may be experienced. As a parent, it is often difficulty to approach a teenager and discuss the topics of potential anxiety and even basic stress. However, it is not only our responsibility as parents, but necessary for the emotional intellect of our teenage children.What is Teen Stress?
Table of Contents
What is Teen Anxiety?
- Appearing to be “tense”
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appears pale and sweaty
- Seems to have physical complaints such as headaches and backaches
- Complications in breathing
- Experiencing sleep problems – too much or too little
- Changes in appetite
- Not being as outgoing as usual
Sources of Teen Stress and Anxiety
- Medical and health concerns
- Academics
- Family Life
- Peer Pressure
- Social Acceptance
- Relationships
- Divorce
- Experiencing a death
- Moving
- New School
- Extracurricular Activities
- Friendships
- Financial Difficulties
- Personal Emotions
- Unsafe Living Arrangements and/or Conditions
How to Initiate the Conversation
- When talking to your teen, you must let them know that they should be comfortable talking to you about anything that is bothering them. You should let them know that you are there to listen, anytime that they feel the need to talk. You should also let them know that if they are not comfortable in discussing issues with you, that they should find another trusted adult to talk to – a leader of a church, a youth leader, a teacher, a neighbor – anyone. They can even attend anxiety therapy as it might be more helpful to talk to a professional.
- Offering your support and a heightened sense of encouragement is very important when it comes to successfully talking to your teen about anxiety and stress in their lives.
- Try not to minimize the situation. I remember as a teen going to my parents for problems only to hear them say that ‘it is no big deal and you should not let something like that bother you’. That is no way to start a conversation with your teen. What may not seem a big deal to us as adults, can be a very big deal when your child may be dealing with a certain problem for the first time. It is important to listen to them first with understanding so that they will feel comfortable coming to you not only with small problems but bigger more serious ones.
- Try not to ‘fix’ the problem. Or at least not right away. I am a very analytic person, and as such, when someone has a problem I try to instantly ‘fix’ it. Your child may not think the same as you and may not even want you to try to solve their issue right then and there. When working with someone who is upset and stressed, listening and understanding as mentioned first is usually much more important. Then, once the situation is under control, ask them what they feel could solve the stressful situation, and work together on a solution offering encouragement and support along the way. However, sometimes there may be no solutions but simply love and understanding.
- You should be certain that you provide your teen with some coping techniques that will allow them to effectively control stress levels. This may be done by keeping a diary, a journal, or participating in certain extracurricular activities.
What are the signs of stress and anxiety in teens?
A few things tend to show up when a teenager is carrying more than they can handle. You might notice them seeming tense, dealing with headaches or backaches, feeling nauseous, or looking pale and sweaty. Sleep often shifts too — either too much or too little — along with changes in appetite. One of the quieter signs is a teen who simply isn’t as outgoing as they usually are. If you’re seeing several of these together, it may be a good moment to gently open a conversation.
What causes stress and anxiety in teenagers?
So much can pile onto a teen’s plate. Common sources include academics, peer pressure, the pull of social acceptance, and relationships. Bigger life changes weigh heavily too — a divorce, a move, starting at a new school, financial strain at home, or the loss of someone they love. Health concerns and everyday personal emotions add to it as well. Knowing the usual culprits can make it easier to understand what your own teen might be wrestling with.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety in teens?
Stress is the way the body responds to situations and circumstances in life, and it isn’t always bad — there’s ‘good’ stress too. The trouble comes when a teen doesn’t have an outlet, because many hold onto stress instead of releasing it. Anxiety is more intense: a severe kind of worrying that can grow out of ongoing stress and show up in physical symptoms. Understanding both helps you talk with your teen about what they’re actually feeling.
How do I start a conversation with my teen about stress and anxiety?
Let your teen know they can come to you about anything, anytime, and that you’re there simply to listen. Try not to minimize what they share — what feels small to us as adults can feel enormous to a child facing it for the first time. Resist the urge to fix it right away; listen and understand first, then ask what they think might help and work on a solution together. Sometimes there’s no fix to offer, just love and understanding, and that matters too.
What if my teen won’t talk to me about their stress?
That’s okay, and it’s worth telling them so. Let your teen know that if they aren’t comfortable opening up to you, finding another trusted adult is a good thing — a church or youth leader, a teacher, a neighbor, anyone they feel safe with. Talking to a professional through therapy can be especially helpful too. The goal is simply that they have someone to turn to.
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Thank You
This is a great list compiling the most important stresses teens deal with. It is important that this communication line is open for them- thank you!