Prevalence of Stress in Teens
In a 2013 survey of adults and teens conducted online on behalf of the American Psychological Association by Harris Interactive Inc., teen reported stress levels during the school year far exceeding what they believed to be healthy (5.8 vs. 3.9 on a 10-point scale). The average reported stress level of adults was 5.1 on a 10-point scale, demonstrating that teens’ feelings of stress rival those of adults. In the survey, results indicated that:
31% of teens reported feeling overwhelmed30% of teens reported feeling depressed or sad as a result of stress36% of teens reported feeling tired23% of teens reported skipping a meal due to stress
How Stress Leads to Burnout
Burnout is a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, depression, detachment, cynicism, and lack of accomplishment including feelings of ineffectiveness. Though most adolescents go through situations that cause stress and tension, chronic stress and piled up stressors can result in depression, aggressive behavior, or suicidal tendencies. Some teens may take to fighting, drinking, and smoking or other risky behavior in an effort to cope and deal with their feelings of stress.
10 Signs Your Teen Is Burning Out
Here are 10 signs of burnout that you should be on the lookout for: For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
How You Can Help an Overwhelmed Child
Parents can start to help by being understanding of the problems faced by their teens. With proper guidance and time, your teen can learn to overcome stress and related issues. This is why it is important to seek the help of a trained professional like a guidance counselor or psychologist. Better support and health education (at both school, home, and at the community level) will lead to breaking the cycle of stress and unhealthy behaviors for your teen.
