Teenage Stress
The stress and overwhelming feelings that Rebecca is experiencing is a normal reaction that many teenagers experience for many different reasons. Simply stated, stress occurs when we view an event as threatening us in some way. The threat might be real, such as when someone is chasing us with an intent to do us harm, or it might be perceived meaning that others may not view it as terribly threatening, but for some reason we do. Some of the major causes of stress identified by teens include:
- Relationships
- School work and tests
- Worries about the future
- Time management
- Not getting enough sleep
- Juggling jobs with school
Stress can be adaptive or maladaptive. Adaptive stress is stress that can be considered positive. For example, a teen who is stressed about taking a chemistry exam may actually feel as though they need to study harder and, as a result, earn a higher grade. Stress can help us become more focused and increase awareness of our surroundings, which is good when it happens for a valid reason, but not when it occurs over a prolonged period of time. Maladaptive stress is stress that occurs over minor events and persists over time. This type of stress can lead to both physical and psychological consequences including depression.
Teenage Depression
Teenage depression is a serious psychological disorder that can arise when stress is left unchecked and unmanaged. The following symptoms are often seen in teens that may be suffering from depression:
- General disinterest in what's going on around them
- Increased sleeping
- Social isolation
- Persistent sadness
- Frequent headaches or complaints about other physical ailments
- Lack of appetite or increased appetite
- Substance abuse
- Poor academic performance
- Engaging in self-harming behaviors like cutting
- Suicidal thoughts
If teenage depression is suspected, a medical professional should be consulted as soon as possible so that an official diagnosis can be made and appropriate interventions can be determined.
Coping Strategies for Teenage Stress and Depression
According to the American Psychological Association, almost half of all teens report that they don't know how to cope with stressors; stressors that have the potential to leading to depression. The following are some ways teens can deal with stress and depression and keep things under control:
- Get moving! Research has shown that engaging in physical activity helps to fight off stress. Going for a run, hitting the gym, or doing some laps in the pool, are all great ways to help keep stress and depression in check.
- Go to bed! Teens have to juggle many different responsibilities, and sleep is often not a top priority. Getting enough sleep can really help when dealing with stress and depression.
- Enjoy yourself! Finding inner happiness and peace is essential to living a well-balanced life. Making sure that teens involve themselves in positive activities that make them happy are an excellent stress and depression buster.
- Positive thoughts! Positive thinking is essential to healthy living. Putting things in a positive light and having a sense of humor can help in fighting off stress and depression.
- Talk about it. When teens have confidants that they are able to talk to about their worries and concerns, they are able to handle stressors and fight off depression more effectively.
- Make eating a balanced diet a priority! Too much sugar, fat, and caffeine isn't good for anyone. Having a balanced diet physically prepares the body to fight off stress and can prevent someone from falling into depression.
- Accept imperfections. Perfectionism gets in the way and does more harm than good. Teens who are prepared to handle imperfections are better prepared to cope.
- Seek professional help. Sometimes using general coping strategies is not enough. When coping strategies fail, advanced medical and counseling interventions may be needed.
Lesson Summary
Stress and teenage depression are commonly dealt with by millions of teens who face a multitude of pressures. Stress occurs when something is perceived as a threat. This threat can be real or perceived and include things ranging from dealing with relationships and exams to finding the time to balance multiple responsibilities such as school and work. Stress can be adaptive, and beneficial, or maladaptive, and harmful. When stress is maladaptive and persistent over time, it can lead to depression.
There are things teens can do to deal with stress and depression. Some of these include eating a healthy diet, exercising and being active, having a positive outlook, and talking to others about their worries and concerns. It is important to remember, however, that if things don't seem to be improving, medical professionals should be consulted.
