Coping with Teenage Stress

Essay by ipodrixJunior High, 8th gradeA-, May 2006

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Effects of Stress

While certain levels of stress are unavoidable and are generally not harmful, high levels of stress over a sustained period of time can damage your health.

Some teenagers are overloaded with stress. When it happens, inadequately managed stress can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, depression physical illness, or poor coping skills such as drug and/or alcohol use.

When teenagers perceive a situation as difficult or painful, changes occur in their minds and bodies to prepare them to respond to danger. This "fight, flight, or freeze" response includes faster heart and breathing rate, increased blood to muscles of arms and legs, cold or clammy hands and feet, upset stomach and/or a sense of dread.

Here is a list of common stress related symptoms

- Headaches

- Nervousness

- Rashes

- Stomach Aches

- Lack of concentration

- Drop in school performance

- Unable to study

- Carelessness

- Anger outbursts

- Forgetfulness

- Nightmares

- Scared

- Depressed

- Withdrawn

What is Stress?

According to dictionary.com,

stress is defined as "to subject to physical or mental pressure, tension, or strain."

Teenage Stress is a big thing, it can cause more harm than just a few pimples. Teenage Stress has been proven as an indirect cause of eating disorders, depression, social/physical/emotional changes, and even something as serious as suicide. Many teenagers experience stress but many do not know what causes their personal stress. And many do not know the origins of their stress, how to treat it, and what may happen if their stress is left untreated.

Things that cause stress are called stressors. The causes of stress are not always very serious. Stress comes from day-to-day dealings and disturbances. Here are several common stressors for teenagers.

(1) Organic Stressors

Caused by nutritional factors, genetic factors, physical fitness and...