The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America 2010 Report states parents are underestimating their teenager’s awareness of their stress and the impact it could be having on their teenager’s emotional well being.
One third of children ages 8 to 17 years believe their parent has been always or often worried or stressed out about things during the past month
How teenagers ages 13 to 17 years old feel when their parent is stressed:
- 33% feel sad
- 43% feel worried
- 38% feel frustrated
- 31% feel annoyed
- 27% feel helpless
- 16% feel angry
- 11% feel scared
- 7% feel alone
- 13% said it doesn’t bother them
Pre-teens and teens are choosing more sedentary behavior to cope when they are stressed or really worried.
Examples of sedentary behavior include:
- Listening to music
- Playing video games
- Watching TV
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are seeing increasing rates of obesity and indicate there could be serious health problems for young Americans. The CDC further reported that 18.1% of teens ages 12 to 19 are obese.
Physical symptoms of stress:
- Irritability or anger
- Fatigue
- Lack of interest, motivation or energy
- Feeling nervous or anxious
- Headache, upset stomach or indigestion
- Feeling depressed or sad</li>
- Feeling as though you could cry
- Muscular tension
- Change in appetite
- Teeth grinding
- Tightness in chest
- Feeling faint or dizzy
Ways to manage stress:
- Listen to music
- Exercise or walk
- Spend time with family or friends
- Read
- Watch TV or movies for more than 2 hours per day
- Pray, meditation or yoga
- Play video games or surf the internet
- Take a nap
- Spend time doing a hobby
- Eat
- Drink alcohol
- Get a massage
- Play sports
- Get counseling/therapy
Let’s be aware that as parents our stress does affect our teenagers. Be a good role model by demonstrating positive ways to manage stress in your life. Talk to your teen about stress and anxiety.
Reference
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/national-report.pdf
