What Causes Stress in Teens?
Are you noticing lately that your teen is struggling to fall asleep, is feeling overwhelmed due to school, or is having anxiety due to things that seem small to you? Teenage stress is real and is constantly rising, as teenagers of today are under a unique set of pressures that adults didn’t experience at their age. So, what causes stress in teens? Let’s break it down.
How Stress Affects Teens
Stress affects the mental, emotional, and physical health of teens.
- The teenage brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which controls judgement and impulse, making it difficult to manage stress, leading to emotional outbursts and poor decision-making.
- Exposure to stress for a long time causes anxiety, depression, disruption of sleep, loss of appetite, or risky behaviours such as the use of substances.
Stress Factors for Teens
The common stress triggers in teens are;
- Academic pressure: Fear of failure, heavy workloads and exams
- Social media: Cyberbullying, fear of missing out (FOMO), constant comparison with others.
- Family Dynamics: Financial issues, Higher expectations from parents, separation or divorce between parents.
- Peer Pressure
- Global Concerns: Social injustice, political unrest, climate change
Common Causes of Stress for Teens
Let’s look further at the most frequent causes of teen stress:
- Unrealistic academic expectations
- Lack of sleep
- Bullying or exclusion
- Concerns regarding body image
- Relationships and rejections
- Unhealthy home environment
- Uncertainty about the future
If these stressors are not managed properly at the earlier stages, they may lead to chronic mental health issues. The keys to effectively coping with stress are open conversations and emotional support.
Why We Avoid Help
Many teenagers and their parents hesitate to seek help due to various reasons, including;
- Feeling of embarrassment or thinking that it might not be that serious.
- Some people assume that stress is just part of growing up and not something that needs acknowledgement.
- They fear being judged or labeled.
- They don’t know where or how to seek help
Signs You May Benefit from Therapy
If you are a teen or a parent to a teen, you might opt for teen therapy if you are experiencing the following;
- Feel overwhelmed most days
- Unable to concentrate or sleep
- Feel anxious, irritable, or hopeless
- You are distancing yourself from friends and family or activities that you once enjoyed
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, etc.
You don’t have to wait for things to fall apart. Help is here for you.
How Saalvio Can Help You Start
Saalvio makes the first steps simple and approachable before therapy. Saalvio have designed support tools for your emotional well-being.
- CBT-based journaling prompts to combat stressful thoughts
- Mood and habit tracking for the identification of patterns
- Guided meditation and grounding audios for reducing anxiety
- Self-guided educational content
Our supporting tools are available 24/7 without any pressure or judgement.
The Value of Live Therapy
If you feel ready to take the next step, therapy offers:
- A safe and confidential space to let loose your thoughts
- Evidence-based CBT strategies for teens
- Emotional regulation skills and coping tools
- A professional who understands and listens without any judgement
With Saalvio, you don’t have to remain stressed alone; we are here for you.
How Saalvio Supports You
The Saalvio App has made help easy. You can;
- Book a free consultation
- Get an appointment with a licensed therapist
- Choose flexible, teen-friendly video sessions
- Find therapists who speak your language and understand your culture.
You Don’t Have to Face Teen Stress Alone
If you’re feeling anxious or unsure where to start, just take a deep breath. Stress can not make you weak, and seeking help is not failure; rather, it is strength.
Saalvio is here to strengthen you.