Teen Stress. Example 1 Seventeen-year-old Marissa is juggling many roles. She has a demanding part-time job, plays two varsity sports, is studying for.

Teen Stress

በስመ ኣብ ወወልድ ወመንፈስ ቅዱስ ኣሓዱ ኣምላክ ኣሜን።

Example 1Seventeen-year-old Marissa is juggling many roles.

She has a demanding part-time job, plays two varsity sports, is studying for the SATs, and is trying to decide where to go to college and how to pay for it. She also has a term paper and an Internet project due this week, needs to find a date and a dress for the prom, is worried that she has gained five pounds, and is afraid that her best friend is mad at her. While Marissa used to feel confident and excited by life's challenges, she has recently been feeling overwhelmed, out of control and "stressed out."

Marissa's story is typical of the daily pressures teens

face.

Example 2Dave, a college student, has been feeling extremely

tense. In addition to taking a full course load at school, he is also working 30 hours a week at a record store. He often feels rushed and irritable—his girlfriend has noticed his short fuse. Sometimes he feels unable to meet the demands of his daily activities. Even though he is exhausted at the end of every day, he has trouble falling asleep. His appetite has decreased, and sometimes he even feels paranoid. He is tired of feeling like he is being pulled in several directions at once.

What is stress?

"Stress" is defined as the way our bodies and minds react to life changes. Since adolescence is a period of significant change, including physical, emotional, social, and academic changes, many teens are under more stress than at any other time of life.

Teen StressAccording to a survey 85% of teens say they are

stressed out

Stress is as common for young individuals as it is for adultsDifference: an adolescent’s body and mind

are still developing and adolescents typically are not as skilled in coping with

stress as adults

Some Common Reasons for StressThe pressure of expectations from self and from others

The pressure at school from teachers, coaches

Career decisions

The pressures due to grades and homework

Strained relationship with classmates

Pressure to fit in with peer groups and measure up to others

Some Common Reasons for StressStrained relationship with parents/siblings

Physical and biological changes in the body during adolescence

Negative feelings about oneself/low self-esteem

Heated arguments with or between parents

Pressure to try drugs, alcohol or sex

More Common Reasons for Stress

Financial problems in the family

Tragedy in the family (e.g. death, divorce, cancer, AIDS)

Break up with boyfriend/girlfriend

Separation or divorce of parents

Pressure to wear certain types of clothing or hairstyles

More causes of Stress overloadBeing bullied

Ongoing problems with school work and learning disability

Crammed schedules, not having enough time to rest and relax and always being on the go

Stress is A normal physiological response of the

body to situations or stimulus which are perceived as ‘dangerous’ to the body.

When a person is exposed to dangerous situation his body gets ready to face it. It needs more energy for that and the extra energy is got by-Fight or Flight’ response

Fight or Flight responseThink about the last time you got a scare. You might have

almost fallen over, you might have had a near miss with a car – anything that made you jump and experience fear.

'Fight of flight' doesn't allow you to think too much, but motivates you to take action

What happens to your body?

Some common reactions in the body are:Your heart beats fasterYour muscles tightenYou begin to tremble

Mind feels the danger and the body tackles it . Actions coordinated by hormones (adrenaline and cortisol)

Once trigger is gone , hormones return to normal level and the body returns to normal

Are there benefits to stress?When working properly, the body’s stress response enhances a person’s ability to

perform well under pressure.

Good stress

Bad stress?

Stress and Health

Physical symptoms: such as headache, fatigue

Mental symptom: such as poor concentration

Emotional symptoms: such as irritability and depression

Social symptom: isolation and resentment

Stress and HealthIt is very important for teens to learn to handle stress, as

long-term build-up of stress that is not handled effectively may lead to problems, including physical illness, anxiety or depression, which call for professional help.

What is a sign of stress for you?

Teenage "Stress Overload" SignsAnxiety or panic attacks

Feeling down , on edge , guilty or tired

Feeling of being constantly pressured

Anger, irritable lashing out at others

Feeling resentful of others

Not enjoying activities you used to enjoy

Feeling you have too many things you have to do

Teenage "Stress Overload" Signs: "shutting down" and withdrawal from people and activities

increased anger or increased tearfulness and feelings of hopelessness

chronic feelings of worry and nervousness

difficulty sleeping and eating

difficulty concentrating

Signs of stress overloadPhysical symptoms such as stomach problems , headache or

even chest pain

Allergic reaction-eczema or asthma

Problem sleeping

Drinking too much, smoking or doing drugs

Sadness or depression

Biggest cause of Stress- SurveySchool work (78%)

Parents (78%)

Romantic relationships (64%)

Problems with friends (64%)

Siblings (64%)

Survey resultsGirls are affected more than boys

Boys tend to respond by ignoring it or getting away from it

Girls are more likely to ask for help dealing with their stress levels, by taking actions to reduce or remove stress

While teen’s family can be a source of stress, young people turn to family for support

Teens cope in variety of ways- healthy and unhealthy ways

Potential health hazards of teen stress

Eating disorder

Depression

Drug and/or Alcohol abuse

Hurting yourself or teen suicide

Discussion: What do you do to handle the stress in your

life? (Make a list how each one of you copes with stress)

Positive Way to deal with StressMost of you respond by doing something relaxing and

positive

By seeking friendship and support from others then move ahead with life

Other positive approach activities –listening to music , watching TV, keeping up friendships

Figuring out solutions to problems by drawing strength from family and friends

Coping with Stress?Studies help show how handling stress improves

health

Ways to handle too much stress

Technique to manage StressStrictly avoid junk foods. Eat healthy food on time. Avoid

eating on the run

Exercise regularly

Sleep well ( 8-10hrs/night)

Technique to manage Stress (cont’d)If activity schedule too jam packed then modify schedule

Have at least one person to confide

Learn relaxation techniques

Volunteer

Technique to manage Stress (cont’d)Avoid excess caffeine intake e.g. cola, coffee because

caffeine increases the feelings of anxiety and agitation

Do not use illegal drugs, stimulants

Do not use Alcohol and tobacco

Be RealisticDon’t try to be perfect- no one is

Expecting others to be perfect can add to your own stress level too.

If you need help on something, like schoolwork ask for it

Over schedulingIf feeling stretched, consider cutting out an activity or two.

Opting for just the ones that are most important to you

SleepGet a good night sleep: keep your body and mind in top

shape, making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors.

Role of sleep in stress managementScientists have documented that when we are sleep

deprived Our immune system suffers- get sick more frequentlyOur thinking and judgment are impairedOur fuse becomes very very short

Getting enough sleep 8-10 hrs

Having bedtime routine – no crime shows, news

Role of sleep in stress managementClearing your mind- finding ways to put the worries and

concerns of the day aside

Feeling Thankful- thinking back on the events of the day for which you are thankful

Circumstances and people for whom we should be grateful

Ways to handle too much stress

What do you find relaxing?

Learn to RelaxRelaxation response: it is your body’s opposite of stress and

creates a sense of well being and calm

Simple breathing exercises

Reading a good book

Making time for a hobby or spending time with your pet or taking a bath

Avoid Negative TalkDo not talk negatively about anyone particularly about

yourself. If you feel that you have an intrinsic defect ( physical look or shy or low self esteem) and then analyze that defect and write down solutions that will solve your condition. Always try to maintain positive feelings about yourself

What can you do to deal with stress overload or better yet to avoid it in the first place?

Stress management skills work best when used regularly.

ConclusionTEEN STRESS

Teenagers, like adults, may experience stress everyday and can benefit from learning stress management skills. Most teens experience more stress when they perceive a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope. Some sources of stress for teens include school, family…etc