Stress can be defined as a state of affair which involves a demand on physical or mental energy of the individual. However the condition of stress is not always adverse but in all cases it disturbs the normal physical and mental health of the individual. It is a perturbation in the homeostasis of the body. This demand occurs when the mind and body tries to cope with never-ending changes in life.

hey know your stress solutions!!!

Like adults, teenagers may also experience stress everyday and can benefit themselves from learning stress management skills. Most teens experience more stress when they recognize a situation as dangerous, difficult, or painful and they do not have the resources to cope such as they have failed in their examinations.

Some sources of teen stress:

Teen stress may include
* School demands and frustrations which leads to stress.
* Changes in their bodies.
* Having negative thoughts and feelings about themselves.
* Divorce of parents.
* Problems with friends or their closed ones.
* Unsafe living environment.
* Changing schools since making new friends again is difficult.
* Death of a loved one.
* Family financial problems.
* Moving to new community is very difficult.
* Severe problems in the family.
* Taking on too many activities makes it hard for them to manage.
* Parents having high expectations.

Learning About the Negative Aspects of Stress –

The negative effects of stress are many and make it necessary to avoid stress. Firstly are the several unpleasant emotional feelings which stress generates like tension, feelings of inadequacy, depression, anger, dependency and others. Also, most of the emotional disorders are interrelated to stress. These disorders are either caused by stress and/or cause it or both in some cases. Further, there are many psychological disorders which are related with stress. These in turn lead to a wide variety of disorders, as much as 50% to 80% of all the complaints treated by physicians.

Stress can also lead to interpersonal problems like feeling pressured or trapped, irritability,feeling of loneliness, struggling for control, and others. Stress tends to sap energy and give a feeling of tiredness. Another problem is that high stress almost always interferes with the performance. It leads to inefficiency at school and on the job, poor decision-making, accidents. Students with high stress do more poorly on exams, especially important tests, than less stressed.

Almost all stressed teens tend to suffer from fatigue, aches and pains, crying spells, depression, anxiety attacks and sleep disturbance. Stress can also lead to gastrointestinal problems like ulcers, cramps, diarrhea, colitis and irritable bowel.It also leads to Decreased resistance to infections and neoplasm. Further stress can cause itchy skin rashes and thyroid gland malfunction. Thus avoid stressing out your self as it stress has a negative effect on both your body and mind!

When this stress is overloaded on teen they might get addicted to drugs/alcohol or can lead to anxiety, aggression or physical health. Some situations are as difficult or agonizing that changes occur in our minds and bodies to prepare us to respond to danger. In these conditions parents should help their children.

How can parents help teen to manage their stress?

First parents should monitor if stress is affecting their health, behavior, feelings or thoughts. Listen to teens carefully and learn the stress management skills and help them out. Involve your child in some activities like sports.

How can teens decrease their stress?

Involving in some particular activities like sports can reduce their stress. Some other ways are:
* Learn some relaxation exercises.
* Eat and exercise regularly.
* Don’t get used to drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
* Don’t have negative thoughts and feelings about yourself.
* Try to develop assertiveness training skills like being polite to others.
* Build a network of friends and have a close friend with who you can share your problems.
* Try to be free with your parents because sometimes parents are your best friends.
* Take a break from stressful situations by listening to music or drawing , going out with friends.