Teenage Stress

Teenage Stress is a big thing, it can cause more harm than just a few pimples. Teenage Stress has been proven as an indirectly cause of eating disorders, depression, social/physical/emotional changes, and even something as serious as suicide. Many teenagers experience stress but many do not know what causes their personal stress. And many do not know the origins of their stress, how to treat it, and what may happen if their stress is left untreated.

What is stress?

Stress is defined as "to subject to physical or mental pressure, tension, or strain" ( Dictionary.com ).

Some common examples of stress include and exceed the following:

• School Demands
• Negative thoughts feelings
• Changes in body
• Problems with Friends/Family/Relationships
• Unsafe living/Neighborhood
• Serration / Divorce of parents
• Death of loved ones
• Moving/Changing schools
• Taking too many activities at once
• High Expectations
• Family Financial Problems

How can Stress be determined?

Stress can be categorized in three different ways: physical, mental, and emotional.

Some of the Symptoms may include...

Physically Heart pounding Headaches Sweaty Palms Skin Breakout Sleeplessness Fatigue

Emotionally Moody Irritability Lack of enthusiasm Nervousness Hostility Crying

Mental Forgetfulness Lack of Coordination Poor Judgment Lack of Interest Negativity Lack of Concentration

If you find yourself with any of these symptoms, there are easy ways for you to relieve them. After all, stress is basically your body telling you that you are over-working yourself.

Some suggested stress relievers are to take a break from any classes, activities, sports, etc that may have caused you, to start feeling stressed. Don't forget to relax- Take a breather once in a while. Take a nap or watch some TV; anything that helps your body to relax your mind. If you're up for it, do something physical. Go and enjoy a jog through your community, play a friendly game of sports, or let your creative side take over and create something.

Try to avoid caffeine and drugs. Studies have been shown that caffeine and drugs can make stress worse than it may already be for you.  The reason is this, when you are stressed out, your blood pressure is gradually increasing, when you consume caffeine, it makes your blood pressure increase even faster.

Talk to your family and/or friends. Sometimes talking to a person you can trust can help you get your feelings out.

What Can Stress turn into?

Stress can lead to any number of things.  Consult a health care professional if your stress level gets to an uncontrollable level.  Remember that there are so many things you can do to reduce stress in your life, just take everything one step at a time.

By David