Parenting expert Ann Douglas calls them “Generation Stress.” She is referring to American teens and their growing battle with the pressures of 21st Century living.
Parenting expert Ann Douglas calls them “Generation Stress.” She is referring to American teens and their growing battle with the pressures of 21st Century living.
A recent study by Reuters Health shows that stress among teens is on the rise. One third of US teens say they feel stressed-out on a daily basis. The study, conducted at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, also found that nearly two thirds of teens feel the results of stress at least once a week.
Stress, of course, is a normal part of life and can actually help us deal with various challenges we face. Positive stress can help teens give their best performances in music or sports. Good stress can also help young people meet tough situations with focus and determination. Too much stress, however, can lead to physical, emotional, and even spiritual problems for teens.
Why are our teens so stressed out? Rochelle Levy suggests that society is putting pressure on our young people from every direction. Stress comes from family situations.
Parents may add to their teen’s stress level with unrealistic expectations. Youth also pick up on the anxieties of parents regarding financial difficulties, work problems, or marital conflicts.
Parents today are also busy with their own lives. Often, they spend very little time with their children which can lead to a void of emotional support. This creates a sense of aloneness for teens and leads to significant stress.
Peers or friends can be another source of stress. Barbara Frazier reminds us that during adolescence, the small groups of childhood give way to larger cliques and crowds, where there is greater pressure to conform. Young people feel compelled to “fit in” and may choose to do almost anything to have the satisfaction of belonging. Boyfriend/girlfriend issues can create tremendous stress in the life of a teenager also.
In addition, young people are often concerned with what others think of them. Body image, clothing, and popularity can all become significant stress issues.
Negative feedback or rejection by peers in any of these areas can be particularly painful for teens.
Another area of increasing stress is education. Excessive homework, standardized test requirements, college preparation, the fear of failure, extracurricular activities – all these can add to an overload of stress for young people.
In our extremely mobile society, many teens also face the stress of changing schools on a regular basis.
Dr. Steve Shores adds one additional stressor that is unique to Christian teens. He states, “Christian teens struggle with world philosophies that are contrary to what they hear in church.”
Through television, movies, and other media, Christian youth are bombarded with voices which promote abortion, the death of absolute truth, alternative lifestyles, and a Jesus who was simply a good man. In that climate of question and doubt, Christian teens face the added stress of what they believe about God.
How can we help our youth cope with such a stressful world? Parents can help by listening. Listening conveys interest and concern. Listen calmly and non-judgmentally, allowing your teen to express feelings, opinions, and emotions. Provide supportive and encouraging feedback, giving your teen confidence that the issue or problem can be resolved. Brainstorm possible solutions.
Parents should also model good coping skills when they face stressful situations. Teens are watching already, so show them how to deal with stress in positive and constructive ways. Parents must also identify the ways in which they are putting undue stress on their children. Dr. Roni Sandler suggests that parents need to keep expectations realistic, set sensible schedules, and minimize anxieties in the home.
What can young people do to help themselves with stress? Kelli Mahoney provides several ways Christian teens can cope with stress.
Pray. The release of problems into God’s hands reduces the pressure to handle them alone.
Choose the right friends. Build relationships with other Christian teens at church and school that can provide support during times of stress.
Get organized and plan ahead. Most stress from school work comes from procrastination.
Sleep. Sleep is one of the best antidotes for a stressful day.
Learn to say “No.” Saying “Yes” to everyone for everything is a recipe for stress disaster.
Laugh. Remember the words of Christian comedian Mike Williams. “Life is too short not to laugh and life is too long not to laugh.”
Teens should also exercise and eat regularly. Exercise releases hormones which actually decrease stress levels.
Finally, stay focused on God and His Word. When pressure comes to compromise Christian values, turn to the Bible for answers and direction.
Generation Stress is probably an appropriate label, but twenty-first century teens can overcome the stress of adolescence with a little help from family, friends, and the Lord.
Remember also that a supportive church and youth group may be just the thing a stressed-out teen needs to make it past troubled times to a life of joy and hope.
If you would like additional support from a professional Christian counselor, call Granberry Counseling Centers toll free at (877) 345-7411. Granberry is a ministry of the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.