6 Most Probable Reasons Behind Adolescent Stress
Adolescence is a period of storm and stress. Though the school days seem to be the happiest days of one’s life, the picture is not as rosy as it seems to be. Teenage is a phase of transition of one’s life and therefore kids go through many emotional ups and downs during this phase. Life becomes a tug of war between expectations and reality. Read on to know more about adolescence and stress.
6 Causes Of Stress In Adolescence:
Some of the probable reasons behind adolescent stress that build up unnecessary tension are as follows:
1. Peer Pressure:
This is one of the major reasons of stress in adolescence and its related problems in youngsters. Trying to cope up with the peer group is sometimes difficult for certain individuals, which may soon become a reason of worry and may get aggravated into stress.
How You Can Help?
- Do not spy on your kid but certainly keep a check on the company they keep. Parents should be aware of who their child’s friends are and what sort of activities they indulge in when present with their group.
- Encourage your kids to discuss their problems with you. They may not readily accept you as the best guide, but if you make them understand that you will always be there for them, they will slowly come around and trust you.
[ Read: How To Deal With Teenage Son ]
2. Parents’ And Teachers’ Expectations:
Performance expectations result in stress and anxiety. Scoring good marks is a prerequisite of every youngster during her school days to gain popularity and respect among family members and surroundings. This pressure often takes a toll on the mental health of young minds.
How You Can Help?
- Capabilities and caliber of each child is different from other. Therefore, it is highly essential to judge your child’s capabilities in correct manner and do not expect miracle. Motivate, but do not pressurize.
- Forcing your child to score more just because others are getting good grades is not the best thing to do. Rather, it is better to figure out the domain where your child can excel and help him or her achieve goals.
[ Read: Aggression In Adolescence ]
3. Comparison With Siblings:
If one of the siblings is performing well and the other is not, then the former becomes a benchmark for the latter one. Parents, teachers and relatives start comparing the two which results in the feeling of self doubt in the child. These matters further result in lower self esteem, concentration problems, lower confidence, etc.
How You Can Help?
- Realize that all kids are not alike. Every child is unique and therefore you should appreciate your child for his or her best traits.
- If you find sibling rivalry to affect one or more of your children, play a fair mediator and do not take sides. Handle the situation sensitively.
4. Comparison With Other Kids:
Comparison with peers or classmates is real downer. This either creates a feeling of jealousy among kids for other children or may result in increased levels of stress and anxiety to perform better or at par with others.
How You Can Help?
- Stop comparing your children wards with their friends or cousins. Instead, encourage them to excel in whichever field they choose for themselves.
- To aid in healthy morale, offer reward to your child every time he tops in a test or a competition.
[ Read: Anxiety Disorders In Teenagers ]
5. Strained Relationship Of Parents:
Every home has some issues, minor or major, because no one is perfect. But it is indeed a grave problem if it takes a toll on the mental health of the child. Daily rows or hurtful scenes can do long-term damage.
How You Can Help?
- If you have any issues at home, be proactive and get it solved as soon as possible. Or at least remove your child from the scene of the dispute.
- It is moral duty of parents to behave responsibly in front of their young children so that they do not develop any prejudices against the relationship of a husband-wife or parents-children.
[ Read: Emotional Development In Adolescence ]
6. Loss Of A Loved One:
Loss does not only mean death, but these days it may refer to a break up or end of a long term relationship with a special friend. Adolescence is the age of crushes and infatuations, and many kids during this phase can get depressed due to heartbreak.
How You Can Help?
- Always have an open talk with your teen about the opposite gender. Listen to their problems by lending them a patient ear.
- Offer to help resolve your kid’s personal issues. This will develop a sense of security in him or her.
[ Read: How To Manage Teenage Behaviour ]
So, above are some of the reasons adolescence storm and stress, which if checked on time, can prevent anxiety and stress-related disorders. Be on the lookout for them and handle your kid’s delicate years with care and love.
Moms, if you have any stories about adolescence stress, please share them with us in the section below!
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