Signs That Your Teen May Be Stressed

Teenagers may not have the same set of responsibilities that adults do when it comes to career  and taking care of the family, but they are well aware that it is within their future. Even though it may not be there at the present moment, they still experience stress.

Teens can deal with all types of issues, situations, and emotions. Problems with academics, grades, tests, peer pressure, bullying, sports, socializing and more can all affect a teen and cause stress. A teen that does not have the right amount of support may be at more risk for problems with mental health and their health as well as academics.

For this reason, it's a good idea to look out for signs that your teen may be stressed. Check out these signs that your teen may be too stressed so you can help them out and provide resources and suggestions and find ways to help them.

1. Getting headaches or stomach aches.

Sometimes stress can manifest as a physical health problem. If your teen is getting headaches or stomach aches on a regular basis, it may be due to stress.

2. Issues with sleeping.

Some people have a tough time going to sleep or staying there, which can be a sign that you're stressed. The cycle can continue, where less sleep means that they can't handle stress. Too much sleep may be a sign of stress as well, when they're trying to sleep a lot on weekends or go to bed right after school. They may be trying to get away from their stress.

3. Having problems with their education.

Problems with stress can often come from school issues. Academic problems might also be a sign that your teen's too stressed. Grades going down or attendance or issues getting work done might be related to stress.

4. More irritability than usual.

Teens can be moody and irritable, but a teen that is stressed out will usually be even more irritable than they are on a regular basis. If a teen is getting irritated or reacting to small inconveniences, they may be having a tough time navigating life or be struggling with a certain issue.

5. Retreating from socializing.

The social habits of the average teen are going to be changed by stress. Isolation from friends or activities that they enjoy could be a sign that they're struggling with stress.

6. Bad changes in behavior.

Sometimes, behavior problems can come from a teen being stressed. You may see more problems in behavior. Address it and ask what's wrong before setting limits to see what's wrong.

7. Having a tough time concentrating.

Teens have a tough time concentrating on the work that they do. They might be distracted easily or have difficulty focusing while doing school work. 

8. Worrying a lot.

They may seem to be worrying more than normal. Teens react to a lot, but if yours seems to be always worried or having anxiety, you may want to try and get them into counseling.

Have a conversation or encourage your teen to develop stress management techniques. Talk to them about speaking with a counselor or therapist and dealing with their stress head on.