Teenagers are bombarded with life stressors on a daily basis and many of them are not fully equipped to deal with the challenges. Even though most teenagers would like to believe they are old enough to handle all the world's challenges, they are in fact still developing, learning and maturing. Teenage stress is real and abundant; the causes are endless, and yet there are some fairly normal influences in adolescent stress.
Family Problems
Anytime a teenager is forced to be at the center of family conflicts or disputes, he will experience stress. Many teens experience an increase in stress when they deal with constant family conflicts, domestic violence, divorce and loss of a parent or sibling.
Busy Schedules
Teens today are shuffled from one activity to the next. These constantly busy schedules do not allow teens the necessary down-time to recoup and relax; thus causing stress; as reported by Kids Health.
Balancing Employment
Many teenagers either must work or choose to work while they are obtaining their education. This balancing act between the pressures of school and work can add to a teenager's stress.
Drugs, Alcohol, and Sex
According to Dr. Jennifer Dyl, Ph.D., a psychologist at Bradley Hospital in Rhode Island, teens are feeling pressured to experiment with drugs and alcohol. Not only can the substances themselves increase stress levels, but the pressure to try them and the consequences that follow can induce a rise in teen stress. Similarly, the curiosity and pressure to engage in sexual activity is present and real. Teens are engaging in sex without a complete understanding of what they are getting into, and the consequences can provoke loads of stress.
Peers
Young people are constantly comparing themselves to one another; who is the best dressed, who has the best boyfriend, who gets the best grades, who has the best body. These constant comparisons are a huge cause of stress among teens. As a teenager, if you feel you don't measure up to your peers you are likely to experience increases in stress, as reported by Dr. Dyl.
Academic Pressures
MSNBC has reported that academic pressures can lead to stress in adolescents. Teens today are placed under an extreme amount of academic pressure. Many teenagers are under the misconception that they must be perfect throughout high school and even middle school in order to get into the college of their choice, and in turn, get their dream job. Parents may fuel this stress by pushing their children to achieve perfect grades and participate in an increasing number of extracurricular activities.
