Coping With Stress in Adolescence

Coping With Stress in Middle and Late Adolescence

• Stress is an emotional factor causing bodily or mental tension, resulting from prolonged pent-up emotions.
• Positive emotions (joy, elation, ecstasy, delight) typically do not cause stress, though negative emotions can arise from positive situations.
• Terms associated with stress include anger, anxiety, breakdown, burnout, dejection, depression, desperation, misery, panic, pressure, strain, and tension.
• Everyday frustrations are feelings of upset or annoyance due to an inability to change or achieve something that builds up, continuing, and reducing emotional and physical stamina.
• Personal life problems encompass long-term stress arising from serious and painful circumstances, such as separation from loved ones, illness or death of loved ones, conflict with others (e.g., spouse, friend), risky behaviors, domestic violence, caring for relatives, injuries, handicaps, financial problems, and relocation.
• Life transitions are processes or periods of changing from one state or condition to another (e.g., from work to home to a new role or relationship, or changes in responsibility).
• Specific circumstances that can lead to stress include: being late, homework burdens, public speaking, babysitting chores, lack of sleep, no date for a dance, arguments, pimples, physical education or other classes, no money, no transportation, not being included in a sports team, losing something valuable, parents' conflicts, detentions, job pressures, taking tests, video games, using computers, closed spaces, fighting with boyfriend/girlfriend, careless or slow drivers, loud people, baby crying, disrespectful children, commercials, interruptions during work, getting injections.

Stress Signals

• Stress signals are warning signs due to physical, emotional, or behavioral pressures.
• Physical stress signals can include headaches, stomach aches, dizziness, back pain, neck stiffness, ulcers, weakness, weight loss/gain, jaw pains, twitches, nausea, indigestion.
• Excessive sleeping, overeating, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, skin problems, constant fatigue, cold hands or feet, excessive sweating, chest pains, high blood pressure, rapid/difficult breathing are also physical stress indicators.
• Emotional stress is characterized by mood changes, lack of concentration, nightmares, panic attacks, anxiety, anger, irritability, crying, suicidal thoughts, depression, confusion, helplessness, restlessness, racing thoughts, aggressiveness.

Behavioral Stress Signals

• Behavioral stress signals encompass smoking, nail biting, tapping, pulling hair, grinding hair, hair chewing, nervous laughter, pacing, lateness, procrastination, alcohol intake, poor hygiene, compulsive dieting, compulsive overeating.

Keeping Stress Under Control

• Suggestions to handle stress involve understanding the cause of stress, analyzing stress factors, writing them down, dealing with stressors, learning to work under pressure.
• Relaxation tips encompass stopping, deep breathing, relaxing exercises, power napping, engaging in enjoyable activities, taking breaks, walks, peaceful reading, looking at images, and humor.