Teens often feel increased stress as they move into and through adolescence. This is, after all, a time of rapid change and growing responsibility. Although troubled teens may not verbalize their stress, there are many signs that parents can watch for. Because stress affects a teen physically, mentally, and emotionally, it is important to monitor a teenager’s stress and intervene with appropriate assistance.
Physical Effects of Stress
Stress alters the way that the teenage body produces and processes chemicals. Therefore it can have a profound impact on a teen’s physiology. The teen may not even be aware that the physical changes are the result of stress, so parents may have to be proactive in determining the causes of a teen’s stress. Physical symptoms of stress include the following:
- Headaches
- Nervousness
- Rashes
- Stomach aches
- Faster heartbeat
- Perspiration
- Increased urination
- Changes in eating habits
Although one symptom may not be cause for concern, a pattern of these symptoms should be cause for concern.
Mental Impact of Stress
It is often difficult for a troubled teenager to push aside thoughts of a stressful situation. Instead of focusing on the positive, they tend to dwell on the stressors, to the exclusion of other responsibilities or situations. This mental strain manifests in several ways:
- Lack of concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Drop in school performance
- Carelessness
- Inability to study
The main visible outcome of a distressed mental state is a change in school performance. Therefore, it is important for parents to continue to monitor school progress, and to maintain communication with educators, throughout middle and high school.
Emotional Effects of Stress
Many of these behaviors can appear to be “typical” behavior for teenagers. It is important that parents not trivialize these emotional symptoms, particularly if they become habitual. While one angry outburst probably indicates a rough day at school, several tantrums over the course of a week is an indication that something is amiss.
- Boredom
- Angry outbursts
- Nightmares
- Sadness or depression
- Fear
- Withdrawal
- Initiating confrontations
Parents should keep in mind that these are methods of externalizing stress, and are not directed at the parents themselves.
Signs of Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Teens will often attempt to cope with stress on their own, without asking for help or acknowledging that they are struggling. Often they choose unhealthy methods of coping, such as risk taking or substance abuse.
- Changes in the teen’s group of friends
- Odd phone calls
- Growing overly secretive
- Unexplained absences for long periods of time
- Participating in dangerous activities or taking risks
These telltale signs indicate that the teen may be making unwise decisions as a means of handling stress.
Stress can have a serious impact on a teen’s physical, mental, and emotional health. With vigilance and patience, parents can determine when their teens are suffering high levels of stress, and get them the help they need.
The information is provided for general reference purposes. It does not constitute medical or other professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your child and adolescent psychiatrist or other physician.
