There are few things as stressful for teenagers as they transition to adulthood. The combination of new responsibilities, social pressures and a developmental gap between their skills and expectations can be overwhelming. And then there are a bunch of adults constantly telling them what they should and shouldn’t be doing. If left unchecked, a build-up of stress can have a negative impact on a teen’s health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to combat teen stress. A life coach can provide parents with support and guidance for navigating the challenging waters of life with a stressed-out teen.
Signs Your Teenager is Stressed
Stress will manifest in different ways depending on the teenager, but there are more than a few clear giveaways that your teenager may be struggling with anxiety or stress. Keep an eye out for the following indicators:
- Poor health: Is your teenager getting sick more often, or regularly complaining about headaches or stomach aches.
- Dietary changes: Teens that are suddenly eating too much or too little may need some stress relief.
Dropping the ball on responsibilities: Stressed teenagers may start neglecting things like homework, study, and responsibilities. - Difficulty sleeping: Most adults know all too well the effects of stress on sleep. Teens that are tired or are sleeping more than usual could be feeling anxious and stressed.
- Behavioral changes: A previously quiet teenager suddenly acting out, or an active teenager now spending more time lounging about the house might be feeling stressed out.
- Anger and irritability: Most teens are prone to occasional outbursts and sullen behavior, but stressed-out teens will reach the boiling point much faster and for minor things.
Teen Life Coaches are Great Listeners
Sometimes a teen just wants an understanding ear that will just listen without an interrupting parent telling them what they should really think or do. A life coach is professionally unbiased, so there’s no judgment, which creates an environment conducive to opening up the dialogue.
Certain conversations between teens and adults can be difficult when emotions get in the way, so a life coach could be the perfect go-between for open and honest communication.
Life Coaches Can Help Overcome Teen Stress
It’s hard to cope with stress when you don’t know the source. Between school, home, relationships, exams, part-time jobs, getting a driver’s license, and all the other challenges teenagers face, life can feel like it’s spiraling out of control. A life coach’s office is a distraction-free zone where teens, with a little professional guidance, can home in on what’s really bothering them, and then come up with an appropriate strategy to resolve it.