Stress Awareness Month: Common Stressors for Teens & Their Solutions

Here at My Time Counseling, we know being a teenager is stressful. Academic expectations, like grades, homework, teachers, and extracurriculars, are a constant presence. On top of that, social pressures make themselves known, like fitting in with peers, navigating comparison on social media, and (for our older teens!) considering college choices in a framework of our peer group. Finally, not only do teens have to navigate academics and social situations - they also have to work around family dynamics at home. It’s no surprise that 61% of teenagers - over half! - describe stress as being significantly impactful to their daily lives.

It may be convenient to be dismissive - to say, that’s just growing up! However, stress and how teenagers handle stress can have a significant influence on their development. Chronic stress in a teenager’s life can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, and aggression. Chronic stress in anyone’s life can lead to a plethora of physical conditions. Finally, if a teenager hasn’t learned adaptive coping skills, they are more likely to engage in maladaptive coping behaviors like substance use or self-harm to deal with stressors.

What are some ways to help teens overcome their most common stressors? Read on below for tips from My Time Counseling!

Challenge #1: Managing Academic Pressure

Academic pressure is a common stressor for many teens. To alleviate this pressure, teens can:

1. Prioritize Tasks: Help teens break down tasks into manageable steps and prioritize them based on deadlines and importance. Teaching time management skills empowers teens to stay organized and reduce last-minute cramming.

2. Seek Support: Encourage teens to seek help from teachers, tutors, or peers when they struggle with a particular subject. Building a support network fosters a sense of collaboration and reduces feelings of isolation.

3. Practice Self-Care: Emphasize the importance of self-care activities such as exercise, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques. Taking breaks and engaging in hobbies can help teens recharge and maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal well-being.

Challenge #2: Navigating Social Pressures

Social pressures, including peer relationships, social media, and societal expectations, can significantly impact teen stress levels. Consider the following strategies:

1. Foster Open Communication: Create a safe and supportive environment where teens feel comfortable discussing their social experiences and concerns. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts openly without fear of judgment.

2. Set Boundaries with Social Media: Teach teens to set healthy boundaries with social media by limiting screen time, curating their online content, and recognizing the difference between reality and social media portrayals.

3. Build Healthy Relationships: Help teens cultivate positive relationships with peers based on mutual respect, trust, and support. Encourage them to surround themselves with friends who uplift and encourage them, rather than those who contribute to stress or negativity.

Challenge #3: Coping with Family Dynamics

Family dynamics, including conflicts, expectations, and transitions, can contribute to teen stress. Support teens in navigating family challenges by:

1. Improving Communication: Encourage open and honest communication within the family, allowing teens to express their feelings and concerns. Establishing regular family meetings or check-ins can provide a platform for dialogue and problem-solving.

2. Setting Realistic Expectations: Help teens and parents set realistic expectations for academic performance, extracurricular activities, and household responsibilities. Encourage collaboration and compromise to create a balanced family environment.

3. Seeking Professional Support: If family conflicts persist or significantly impact teen well-being, encourage seeking support from a therapist or counselor that specializes in therapy for teens. Professional guidance can help teens develop coping strategies and navigate complex family dynamics effectively.

In conclusion, teens may encounter stress from academic expectations, social pressure, and family dynamics, but there are many strategies to use to reduce this stress. If you need to talk to someone, we’re here for you. At My Time Counseling, we specialize in counseling for teens. Reach out to us today to see what we’re about!