Teen stress is a risk factor for the development of depression, a serious condition that carries an increased risk of suicide. By helping teens to develop stress-management skills at AspenPointe Counseling, we can also provide valuable preventive measures to reduce Teen Suicide. Stress counseling and group discussion therapy have proven to reduce stress symptoms and improve overall health and attitude.
What is stress?
Stress is the body’s reaction to a perceived threat; it is often called the “fight or flight” syndrome. During times of stress, adrenaline and hormones are released and the nervous system is activated, sharpening our senses. Simultaneously, our pulse rises, our muscles tense and our immune system shuts down.
Stress is normal. Life with too much stress, however, can result in changes to our mental, physical and emotional health and well-being. On-going or chronic stress interferes with our ability to perform effectively and to feel well.
Managing stress
At AspenPointe, we can help by teaching new skills to cope with stress. We also show you how to recognize what makes you stressed and how to avoid the triggers.
Things you can try for yourself include:
- Learn to manage your time by setting priorities.
- Get enough sleep at night.
- Put time by to play and enjoy life.
- Learn to say “no” to extra social or work requests.
- Consider a change in scenery, take a walk, schedule a break, etc.
- Start a stress diary so you know what causes stress in your life. Knowing what kinds of situations cause stress can help you to understand and control them.
- Prevent chronic stress by recognizing the signs of stress, identifying the triggers and trying to avoid them.
- Learn appropriate relaxation techniques so you can distress yourself. Some teenagers like to listen to loud music, others like to dance, exercise or create art.
- Relaxation tapes, biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation are several behavioral techniques that might combat excessive stress reactions.
