Table Of Content

    • Changes in Behavior
    • Physical Symptoms
    • Emotional Changes
    • Difficulty Concentrating
    • Avoidance and Engagement Coping

    Changes in Behavior

    Look for changes in your teen's typical behaviors that may indicate they are feeling overwhelmed with stress:

    • Withdrawing from family and friends
    • Increased irritability, moodiness, anger outbursts
    • Changes in eating habits
    • Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Lower academic performance
    • Increased absences from school
    • Engaging in risky behaviors such as substance abuse

    If you notice your teen isolating themselves more, lashing out in anger, or participating in out of character behaviors, these may be signs that stress is taking its toll.

    Physical Symptoms

    Stress manifests itself physically in the body. The hormones released when we experience prolonged stress can cause a range of symptoms:

    • Frequent headaches, stomachaches, muscle pain
    • Fatigue and lack of energy
    • Insomnia or excessive sleeping
    • Weight loss or weight gain
    • More susceptible to colds, infections, and illness

    Teens under excessive stress may complain of persistent headaches or stomach troubles. You may also notice changes in their sleep patterns or appetites. Their bodies may be overly taxed, resulting in lowered immunity.

    Emotional Changes

    High stress levels can impact a teen's emotional health in a variety of ways:

    • Anxiety or panic attacks
    • Depression
    • Increased frustration, irritability, anger
    • Overwhelmed, having difficulty coping
    • Lack of motivation
    • Feeling helpless or hopeless
    • Thoughts of self-harm

    Your teen may appear more anxious or depressed and have difficulty managing their emotions. In extreme cases of distress, they may express thoughts of self-harm. Seek professional help immediately if your teen is experiencing suicidal ideation.

    Difficulty Concentrating

    Stress impairs concentration, memory, and the ability to retain information. You may notice the following signs:

    • Trouble focusing in class or while completing assignments
    • Forgetfulness, increased absent-mindedness
    • Lower academic achievement
    • Taking longer to complete tasks
    • Appearing "spacey" or zone out frequently

    An inability to concentrate or stay focused can negatively impact school performance. Your teen may struggle to process information or take longer to finish their work. Provide them with support to manage their workload.

    Avoidance and Engagement Coping

    People cope with stress in different ways. Teens may engage in avoidance coping (withdrawing from stressors) or engagement coping (actively addressing problems):

    • Avoidance Coping: denying or ignoring problems, skipping school, dropping activities, substance abuse.
    • Engagement Coping: problem-solving, expressing emotions in healthy ways, exercising, seeking support.

    Look for unhealthy avoidance behaviors like skipping school or increased substance use. Encourage positive engagement coping like talking about their feelings, exercising, or problem-solving.

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