Why are teenagers stressed? Common challenges for teenagers that may cause them stress include:
How can you recognise that your teenager is feeling the effects of stress?
If you know that your teen is going through a difficult time, you can be on the lookout for changes in behaviour or things that might signal they’re experiencing excessive stress.
Some signs of stress in teens include:
How is teenage stress different from stress in adults?
Teenagers have a different stress response from adults.
One study shows that teenagers release more cortisol during times of stress (which leads to physiological responses such as increased heart rate and blood pressure), and also experience greater cognitive impairment when stressed, than adults do.
In another study, high or constant levels of stress during adolescence were shown to have the potential to contribute to the increased likelihood of conditions such as anxiety or depression, or abusing drugs or alcohol.
Stress during the teenage years can mimic everyday teenage hormonal changes, so it can be difficult for teens and parents alike to pinpoint. The best thing to do in this case is speak with a GP, so they can help your teen manage how they’re feeling. Mental health in teenagers can be affected by a multitude of factors so it may also be helpful to consult a mental health professional or specialist GP regarding your stressed child.
Managing teenage stress
It’s particularly important for teenagers to learn how to manage stress. It’s a regular part of life that, if not managed effectively, can significantly affect their physical and mental health beyond their formative years.
How can you help a stressed teen?
The best ways to help a stressed teen are to communicate and to provide regular support. There’s plenty of tips on how to communicate effectively with your teen here.
Here are some ways you can help a stressed teenager:
Ways to improve teenage mental health and stress
Stress can be harmful to a teen’s health and wellbeing if they have been experiencing it for some time. If your child has been showing signs of stress, try our suggested strategies for supporting them.
If your child has been stressed for a long period of time, or if nothing seems to be helping, it’s a good idea to seek outside help. Have a chat to a GP or encourage your teen to talk with a counsellor.
If they need someone to talk with urgently, encourager them to contact a mental health hotline such as:
Having a teenager who is having difficulties with stress can be a tough thing to experience as a parent or carer. It can be helpful to read other parents’ stories about how they have coped with this, and you can also
