On top of the stressors teens have always faced, teens today are experiencing new kinds of stress. Much of it comes from the 24-hour news cycle and an increasing reliance on digital and social media. People of all ages have busier schedules than ever before, and we expect a higher level of productivity than previous generations. Teens today also have to grapple with social issues like climate change, systemic injustice and economic pressures.

Relationships with parents and caregivers can sometimes contribute to a teen’s stress. However, as a caregiver, you also play an important role in helping your teen learn healthy ways to cope and care for their mental health. 

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the importance of helping teens manage common stressors and the effects they may have if left unmanaged.

Understanding teen stress

There are both positive and negative factors that can cause different types of stress in a teen’s life. Teens may experience positive stress when trying new activities and making new friends. Negative stress may be a result of conflict or tension with others or traumatic experiences. Stress related to school and academic performance is one of the most common types of stress among teens. Physical and emotional changes related to puberty are present in most teens’ lives at one point or another. Teens also experience a lot of stress because they’re becoming more aware of their identity as an individual and their social roles.

[Quote] Teen stress isn’t just typical “growing pains.” When left unaddressed, it can develop into more serious mental health concerns that can affect their development, relationships and future well-being.

When left unmanaged, stress can affect three main areas of a teen’s life. The first is their overall well-being, which includes mental, physical and emotional health. The others are their education and their social well-being. Some teens tend to internalize unmanaged stress, leading to negative thoughts and feelings about themselves. Research has shown that these people are more likely to develop eating disorders. Others will externalize their stress by disengaging with their education, disobeying the law or acting aggressively toward others. Teens on both ends of the spectrum may try to self-medicate by experimenting with drugs or alcohol. The ways teens learn to deal with stress can continue to affect them long into their adult lives.

Warning signs of unhealthy stress

Positive stress can actually help teens build emotional resilience and a sense of self-efficacy. A bit of positive stress can motivate a teen to take responsibility for themselves and do their best. Unhealthy stress, on the other hand, keeps building up until the person finds an outlet to release it. Teens may feel physical and emotional effects of stress — it can manifest as negative moods, tension headaches or stomach problems. It can affect their appetite or their sleep patterns. In the long term, stress can contribute to high blood pressure, digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, and autoimmune conditions.

The following are some warning signs your teen may be dealing with a high level of unhealthy stress:

• Mood swings or irritability
• Social withdrawal
• Excessive crying
• Headaches
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Stomach problems
• Changes in academic performance
• Substance use
• Avoidance of certain stressors
• Difficulties in relationships with family or friends

How parents can help 

One of the best ways to help your teen with their mental health is by taking care of your own and modeling healthy stress management. You can create a supportive home environment by dealing with conflicts in positive, constructive ways and by setting healthy boundaries. Remind your teen often that you love them just the way they are. You can also open up conversations about mental health topics and listen without judgment. This helps ensure that they can be honest with you when they’re dealing with a difficult situation. 

As a caregiver, it’s your responsibility to recognize when your teen’s stress is having a negative impact on other parts of their life. If you and your teen can’t manage their stress using the techniques and skills available to you, it may be time to help them seek treatment. For mild to moderate stress, you might help them find an outpatient therapist. For severe stress or other mental health conditions, you should consider seeking an assessment and exploring higher levels of mental health care. 

Consider helping your teen work on healthy stress management techniques like these:

• Mindfulness and relaxation practices, such as breathing exercises or meditation
• Physical exercise
• Creating a bedtime routine and going to bed at a regular time 
• Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries with technology and social media
• Time management and organizational strategies
• Interpersonal skills and support systems

Teen stress isn’t just typical “growing pains.” When left unaddressed, it can develop into more serious mental health concerns that can affect their development, relationships and future well-being. People who learn to deal with stress in healthy ways as teens are more likely to continue using those healthy coping skills in their adult lives. You can help set your teen up for a lifetime of mental wellness, starting now. 

In Lightfully Teen programs, we help teens learn skills in four key areas to be more proactive about their mental health: thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. During treatment, teens develop an awareness of their self-care needs and try out different techniques for emotion regulation and stress management.

Are you concerned about your teen’s stress level and looking for a new way to help them? Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about stress management or seeking treatment. 

If you ever feel your teen may need comprehensive mental health care, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together.