The Family's Role in Teen Stress
As teenagers deal with the pressure of academics, social events and the transition to adulthood, they can suffer from stress overload that results in such problems as panic attacks, headaches and substance abuse, according to TeensHealth. Although family members often provide support that alleviates the stress, sometimes a teen̵7;s home environment can cause additional tension. Help relieve your teen̵7;s stress by uncovering ways that your family life may be increasing his anxiety.
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Financial Concerns
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If a family is struggling economically, a parent̵7;s stress over finding a job, tackling unpaid bills or saving for expenses like a house or college can also put undue stress on the children. According to a 2010 survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association, 86 percent of teenagers reported that their parents̵7; stress levels had a negative impact on them. Teenagers who are unable to help their parents financially, for instance, might feel stress because they have little control over the situation, according to TeensHealth.
Family Crises
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Family difficulties, such as divorce, the death of a loved one or a family member battling illness can also take a toll on a teen̵7;s stress level. When parents divorce, for instance, KidsHealth notes that teens can feel guilty and anxious if they mistakenly believe that they could have prevented it if they had behaved better, earned better grades or helped more around the house. When teens feel stress about a family crisis, encourage them to discuss their concerns instead of letting the worry build until it turns into anxiety or resentment.
Environmental Factors
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The family̵7;s living environment can also adversely affect a teen̵7;s stress level. In addition to feeling anxiety about living in an unsafe neighborhood, for example, teens can also feel stressed if their homes are cluttered and chaotic. Your teenager will feel more relaxed if your home is clean and organized, according to the American Psychological Association. Giving your teen something to focus on, such as keeping her room clean, can also give her a calming feeling of control in times of high stress.
Stress Management
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The way a teen̵7;s parents deal with anxiety can affect how the teen handles stressful situations. Parents who use healthy coping mechanisms to alleviate stress, such as exercising, getting enough sleep and calmly discussing their emotions, are the best role models to teach teens how to maintain a healthy mental outlook, according to the American Psychological Association.
Considerations
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If you and your teenager have discussed his stress level, but he still seems unable to get his anxiety under control, consider talking to a school counselor, family doctor or therapist to determine whether your teen is suffering from stress overload. Symptoms of the disorder can include moodiness, changes in sleeping and eating habits, panic attacks, headaches and chest pain, according to TeensHealth.
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