Every day, teenagers deal with common struggles that cause mental and emotional stress. Common struggles include balancing education with social life, peer pressure, bullying, and other things that cause stress and depression. Studies show that 30% of our youth struggles with depression while 75% have expressed feeling stressed. With stress and depression being issues for many adolescents, it is evident that there are ways to seek help and prevent these things.
Stress is a normal reaction that affects everyone at some point or another. Generally, stress is caused by things that result in one feeling overwhelmed. It is imperative to eliminate these stressors by decreasing emotional and mental instability. When stress begins to build up without treatment, physical pains can follow. Symptoms of stress can include, aches, chest pain, a racing heart, and exhaustion caused by trouble sleeping. Our youth today tend to be affected by stress more heavily than in years past. Gender identity and sexual orientation are two of the most common factors that assist in a high level of stress. These two factors can result in bullying, low self-esteem, and conflict with peers. When a student is involved in extracurricular activities through school and outside of school, it has been proven difficult for one to balance schoolwork and get a good night's sleep. Teaching your children ways to manage their stress is very important for teens today. It is recommended that natural remedies such as exercise, participating in relaxing activities, and talking out things are the most efficient ways to aid in a stress-free life.
It is normal for your teen to occasionally feel down, but a persistent feeling of sadness should draw areas for concern. Depression tends to affect how people think, feel, and act. Stress and depression tend to go hand in hand with symptoms to look out for. Depression can vary through family history, trauma, and daily stressors. A strong sense of rejection due to not meeting expected standards can be one of the most common triggers for depression. When dealing with adolescent pressures such as making new friends or participating in organizations, it is common for one to begin to show signs of depression and anxiety. When recognizing the signs of depression, it is important to look for withdrawal from loved ones, mood swings, suicidal thoughts or actions, and lack of motivation. Along with many others, these are considered the most common symptoms when living with depression. There are many ways to treat depression, but it all starts with speaking to a trusted adult about seeking help. Medication can relieve some symptoms of depression, but talking feelings out is the best way to overcome the struggles of depression. There are natural ways to avoid depression starting with eliminating stress. Talking therapy, avoiding common triggers, a healthy diet, and an adequate amount of exercise can assist those living with depression.
Through research, it is evident that stress and depression are the most common issues for adolescents today. Seeking professional help is of the most importance when these signs are recognized in your child. There is no reason for one to go through this experience alone; having a strong support system is important when dealing with these things. It is not always possible to avoid stress and depression, but there are effective treatment available for those that are living with these things.
If your teenager is exhibiting any signs of depression or extreme stress, please discuss with your Greenville Pediatrics’ provider at your next visit.
