Warning
Signs of Stress for Teens
Physical Reactions
- Acne,
Rash, or other skin problems Indigestion, diarrhea, upset stomach
- Teeth
grinding Menstrual irregularities Change in appearance Muscle spasms,
pain or tightness in jaw
- Cold,
clammy hands neck, shoulders, or back
- Dizziness,
Faintness Nervous tics or twitches
- Frequent
urination Pounding Heart
- Headaches
Shortness of breath, hyperventilation
- Increased
number of illnesses Tearing eyes
- Increased
pulse rate Wide-eyed look caused by dilated pupils
Fight
Reactions
- Acts of violence/vandalism Daredevil stunts
- Aggression or hostility Fire starting
- Boasts of superiority Impatience
- Criminal activity Negativism
- Rudeness or brattiness
- Unusual difficulty getting along with
- Self-harm or self-abuse friends
- Stealing
- Tantrums siblings
- Testing or defying authority
- Vicious acts against animals or other Use of bad language people
- Unusual jealousy of close friends
Flight Reactions
- Clinging dependency Loss of interest in activities usually
- Dislike of school approached with vigor
- Downgrading of self Lying
- Escapism - preoccupation with: Overeating
- T.V. Video/computer games Procrastination/making excuses
- Quiet, solitary behavior Rigid conformity to rules/regulations
- Scapegoating Shyness
- Smoking/use of alcohol or drugs Excessive sleeping/daydreaming
- Withdrawal from school Listlessness or lack of enthusiasm
Spillover Reactions
- Bad Dreams, insomnia Fatigue, irritability, tense
- Bedwetting Easily startled
- Restless Nervous laughter
- Talking faster Uncharacteristic carelessness
- Clearing throat frequently Drop in school achievement
Strategies for Coping with Stress
- Recognize what can be changed, accept what cannot
- Break big problems into little ones
- Eliminate as many stress sources as you can
- Avoid predictably stressful situations
- Remove yourself from the source of stress
- Don’t overreact
- Use relaxation techniques to cancel the ill effects of stress
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