Have you ever felt so stressed that you felt like your head was about to explode? Stress can come in all different shapes and sizes, from crying and screaming to sitting completely still and silent.
Stress and anxiety in teens are on a major incline. Stress is a major part of every teen’s life. According to one study, the American Psychological Association’s survey on teenage stress, teens experience a higher level of stress than most adults during the school year. This is a problem. What’s even more concerning is that most teens claim that their stress doesn’t have an effect on their physical health. This causes worry because these teens are underestimating the potential impact that their mental health will inevitably have on their physical health. According to the same study, almost half of the teens who reported having more stress than adults also reported not doing anything to help manage their stress.
What is it about teenage life nowadays that makes them so much more stressed than adults? Maybe it’s having too much homework, trying to balance academics and extracurriculars, relationships with friends, family, and partners, or the peer pressure to fit in. Evidently, one of the greatest stressors for teens in today’s day and age is social media, according to the American Institute of Stress. That little rectangle everyone is always carrying around with them is one of the biggest causes of their stress. The need to fit in and look and act like the people they see online is destroying teens’ mental health and adding greatly to their daily stress.
One BHS Junior said that, “Life makes me stressed. Especially people, people stress me out. And I don’t really have a good way to cope with stress.”
“I get a lot of stress from driving and my college classes,” said another BHS Junior, “because I’m always scared my grade is just gonna randomly drop.”
Teens today are stressed to an unhealthy level, both mentally and physically. Sleep, exercise, and eating are all largely impacted by teens’ stress, which is not good because those are all fundamental parts of living a healthy life.
If you are a teen and your stress ever gets to be too much, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. At BHS, we have an amazing team of staff who are always there if you want to talk or just need a break. They can also provide you with additional resources if necessary. Taking breaks can also greatly help to lower your stress. Go for a walk, call a friend, read a book, play with your pet, bake something, go for a run, work out, anything to just clear your mind for a bit and help you refocus.
Your stress doesn’t define you, and it shouldn’t be steering your life. Please take care of yourself, don’t overwork yourself, and take breaks. Don’t forget to eat, sleep, and move your body. You’ve got this.
