Stress Management for Teens

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 30% of adolescents aged 13-18 suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety is directly linked to stress and the toll it takes on your emotions and overall well-being. At Suffolk Counseling Services, we understand that stress comes in many forms and everyone’s experience with it is completely unique to them. But we are also aware of the overwhelming prevalence of stress within our society; so, it is important to acknowledge and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.

Stress

  • Generally is a response to an external cause, such as taking a big test or arguing with a friend.
  • Goes away once the situation is resolved.
  • Can be positive or negative. For example, it may inspire you to meet a deadline, or it may cause you to lose sleep.

Both Stress and Anxiety

Both stress and anxiety can affect your mind and body. You may experience symptoms such as:

  • Excessive worry
  • Uneasiness
  • Tension
  • Headaches or body pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of sleep

Anxiety

  • Generally is internal, meaning it’s your reaction to stress.
  • Usually involves a persistent feeling of apprehension or dread that doesn’t go away, and that interferes with how you live your life.
  • Is constant, even if there is no immediate threat.

Some Common Causes of Stress in Teens

  • Peer pressure
  • Social Media
  • Academic decisions and course loads
  • Student loans and debt
  • Relationships
    • Significant others
    • Friends
    • Classmates
    • Family

Procrastination and Stress

Procrastination is an issue that almost all of us deal with, and it can easily lead to additional stress in a teen’s life. During therapy sessions, clients will gain a deeper understanding for what may be holding them back from achieving their goals and successfully completing tasks on time. Based on each adolescent’s distinctive qualities, we develop effective ways for them to find their inner-motivation, advocate for themselves, and to understand when and how to ask for help.

teen girls on a bench

Effectively Managing Stress

Because everyone experiences stress differently, all individuals require an approach to stress management that specifically works for them. This is why our therapists always look at each client as a whole, taking all of his or her unique characteristics, personality traits, and outside factors into account. Physical health, nutrition, living environment, personal likes and dislikes; all of these can factor into forming effective methods to mitigate and manage stress.

Discovering The Best Version of Yourself

When we say, “discovering the best version of yourself”, we are not talking about altering your personality or making unwanted changes in how you live your life. We are referring to finding positive ways for individuals to develop a healthy self-esteem and providing them with the tools to reframe negative thought patterns in order to make the most out of every day.

Our therapists help achieve this by giving teens a safe space to talk about what is going on in their lives. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and other intuitive methods, we strive to navigate each of our clients to emotional well-being. Whether assisting a high school student in prioritizing a healthy balance between homework and their social life or working with an adolescent to be able to think independently from their peers, Suffolk Counseling Services is here to help.