It is difficult for parents to see their children go through difficult times. And, while every child is unique and has a different story to tell, there are a number of common challenges that can create stress and anxiety in teenagers.
Furthermore, because teenagers are generally hesitant to communicate their thoughts with others, it may be difficult for parents to notice when their child is going through this phase.
We will go through the major reasons for teen stress and anxiety, as well as how you may assist your child manage them in this post. If you suspect your child is suffering from mental health concerns other than stress or anxiety, you should consult a doctor or therapist about other treatment options.
What are stress and anxiety?
Stress is a normal part of life, and it is actually a good thing. Stress is the body’s reaction to something that requires extra energy or attention—a stressor. For example, if you are playing tennis and your opponent just hit a ball straight at your head, this would be an unpleasant but also necessary stimulus that may cause short-term anxiety and make you react quickly to avoid injury or death (or embarrassment).
But long-term stress can cause serious health problems like heart disease and depression. And when these issues are combined with anxiety disorders—which include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—the effects can be even more severe because they increase the likelihood of developing other mental health conditions later in life as well as physical ailments such as cardiovascular problems or asthma attacks.
Warning signs
- Trouble sleeping. If you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it is a sign that your body is stressed out. You might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, then lying in bed for an hour before going back to sleep. Or maybe you can’t fall asleep at all and end up tossing and turning for hours.
- Eating too much or too little. If your teenage daughter suddenly starts binge eating junk food or loses interest in meals altogether, this could be a sign that she is experiencing anxiety about something stressful at school or home. The same goes if your teen son suddenly gains weight and has no appetite for anything but pizza and chips (or whatever his go-to snack foods are). He may also start drinking more than usual since alcohol helps many people feel less nervous about their problems.
- Feeling tired and exhausted. When we are stressed out by things like exams or family issues, our bodies produce cortisol—a hormone released into our bloodstream whenever we feel stress—which makes us feel tired even though we have gotten plenty of sleep each night! This kind of exhaustion will make it hard for kids who are already dealing with other issues likedepression and anxiety disorders to stay awake during class time; they may even fall asleep during lunchtime!
4 ways to manage stress and anxiety
- Go for a walk. Going for a stroll can be a great way to combat stress and anxiety. It gets you moving and takes your mind off the problem, allowing you to focus on other things.
- Get enough sleep. Studies show that getting eight hours of sleep each night lowers the risk of developing depression or anxiety disorders in adults, so it’s important that teenagers get plenty of rest as well—a minimum of nine hours per night is recommended for teens aged 13-18 years old!
- Eat healthy food every day. A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains will keep your body functioning properly and help you stay energized throughout the day (which will reduce feelings of tiredness). Eating well also reduces stress because it gives you more energy which helps with coping mechanisms like exercise or relaxation techniques like yoga poses or breathing exercises (see below).
- Talk something out with someone who listens well. Talking about what is bothering us has been proven time after time to help alleviate negative emotions such as sadness or fear – but not just any person will do. We need someone who truly understands us – someone who will not judge us but instead give us advice based on their own experiences.
Clinical management of stress and anxiety
There are many ways to combat stress and anxiety, but sometimes the conventional ways don’t work and you have to consult a professional for help. This is where ACPN comes to the rescue.
ACPN is one of the best stress management clinics in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Here at ACPN, we can help you and your child get the help that you both need to manage stress and anxiety.
We know that anxiety disorders can affect both adults and children, so we have experience treating both groups. We understand how stressful it can be to have an anxiety disorder, which is why we are dedicated to providing you with the tools to help manage stress and anxiety.
Our goal is to help you find the right therapy for your situation—whether that is medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or something else entirely—and get you on the path to feeling better as quickly as possible.
Stress and anxiety are natural parts of growing up, but learning how to manage them can help you feel more confident, in control and ready for anything.
Stress and anxiety are natural parts of growing up. They are part of being an adult, too. But if they have not been a major part of your life until now, it can be hard to know how to manage them. Or even what is happening when you feel stressed or anxious. Fortunately, there are lots of things you can do to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms—and even prevent them from happening in the first place!
At the end of the day, there is nothing wrong with being stressed or anxious sometimes. It is a normal part of growing up, and learning how to manage them can help you feel more confident, in control and ready for anything.
