In an environment that often emphasizes achievement over well-being, teen stress may easily go overlooked or be disregarded as a necessary rite of passage. I've witnessed parents being taken aback when realizing their child is struggling with stress - often dismissive of this issue (they think "They're only kids; what do they need to worry about?). Unfortunately, this dismissive attitude not only minimizes their experience but may delay important support or intervention altogether.
Today's teens face an increasingly complex world - from academic pressures, social media platforms, global crises, and much more. For many adolescents, these pressures accumulate silently - often manifesting in ways that can be easily misinterpreted or overlooked by both themselves and the adults around them.
Recognizing Signs:
Behavior Changes: Behavior changes such as an outgoing child becoming shyer, or a normally passive one acting out aggressively can be red flags for parents to watch for.
Physical Symptoms: Stress often manifests physically in children and teenagers through headaches, stomachaches, or altered eating and sleeping patterns.
Academic Performance: Any sudden decrease in grades or disinterest in schoolwork could be an indicator that stress has taken its toll.
Emotional Volatility: Increased irritability, mood swings or unexplained bouts of crying can all be signs that underlying stress is taking its toll.
Some might argue that stress is necessary and beneficial in helping us overcome challenges, while others may view it as damaging and normalize it as part of daily life. But in our quest for resilience, we risk normalizing chronic stress levels without considering its long-term effect on teen mental and emotional development.
Whilst helping teens cope with stress is crucial, early recognition and proactive intervention are also vitally important. Establishing an open, nonjudgmental space where they can express their emotions without judgment from adults is paramount - not for providing quick fixes but rather so they feel heard and validated as individuals. Here are other ways to help your teen:
Open Communication: Cultivate an environment in which feelings and concerns can be discussed freely without rejection or fear of rejection.
Routine Check-ins: Build check-ins into your family routine so teens have an outlet for sharing their opinions and emotions.
Stress Management Tools: Implement simple stress-relief techniques such as breathing exercises, and physical activity into their daily schedule as regular parts of their routine.
Professional Support: Don't be reluctant to seek professional help if stress appears to be negatively affecting the well-being of your child.
As parents and caregivers, it is imperative to recognize and address signs of stress in teenagers early enough. By taking early action we can reduce its impact on development while simultaneously building emotional resilience that will serve them for life. Ignoring or dismissing any such signs only perpetuates silence and suffering - let's choose to see and support instead!
As always, our therapist at Approaching Change LLC is here to support you.
Briggett Harris, LMHC