Teenagers feel stress just like everyone else. Adults often turn to friends, family or even counseling to deal more effectively with the issues that are causing stress. Teens often lack the maturity level to be aware of the issues that are causing their feelings of stress. Parents need to be alert to these circumstances in order to help teens deal with these issues effectively.
School and Activities
School is the number one source of stress for teens according to a poll conducted by the Associated Press. Stress comes from homework demands, after school activities and over scheduling. From the early high school years teens start to hear about the importance of grades to get into the college of their choice and to be constantly vigilant about succeeding. Some teens work jobs after school to either pay for gas or to help parents who may be struggling financially. Many teens are not getting adequate rest, which can contribute to problems at school. The Mayo Clinic reports that 90 percent of teens are not getting the recommended nine hours of sleep and 10 percent get by on less than six hours.
Family Relationships
The teen years are a time when many emotional and physical changes are occurring. Developmentally, teens are asserting themselves and testing out their independence. This behavior is often at odds with parents' goals, which are to monitor their children and keep them safe from harmful influences. Teens often feel stress due to their frustration in seeking independence and coming up against parental restraints.
Parents' Divorce
According to the Ohio State University, teens experience significant psychological, academic and behavioral problems before, during and after their parents' divorce. Teens often blame themselves for the breakup and wonder if they could have helped prevent the separation. Teens often feel conflicted and guilty if they side with one parent over another.
Friends
Relationships with friends can be a rewarding experience for many teens. Some teens, however, experience conflict, arguments, and pressure from their friends and acquaintances. The pressure to conform and fit in can be overwhelming. Teens want to wear trendy clothes, have the latest haircut and have the right friends. If they don't have these things, they feel stressed.
High Expectations
Many times, teens place undue stress on themselves. The American Academy of Pediatrics points out that often teens tell themselves that they need to lose weight, get better grades, score more points in the game and prove themselves to their parents. They often compare themselves to their friends and feel they constantly need to do better.
Self Image
Adolescence is a time of many changes. Some of these changes can be unwelcome such as the awkward growth of puberty. Many teens feel different from their peers and never feel good enough. Self esteem can suffer another blow if they are made to feel inferior, different or are made fun of by others.
Left unchecked, severe low self esteem may even lead to depression.
Romantic Relationships
Teenagers typically encounter their first romantic relationship during the adolescent years. Sometimes these relationships can be exciting and romantic. Other times, they aren't so great. Stress can occur when there is frequent fighting, jealousy and the eventual break up of the relationship.
