It’s that time of year that some parents dread while others rejoice – back to school. It’s an exciting time for kids, but it can be stressful too, especially if they’re starting at a new school. Older kids who have a lot on their plate also tend to feel a little overwhelmed – consider a high school senior who is playing sports, involved in school clubs, applying to colleges, trying to maintain top grades, and dealing with all of the normal teenage angst at the same time. Unfortunately, this is why many teenagers look to drugs or alcohol to either attempt to improve their performance or take the edge off. It’s particularly a problem if their peers are doing it and they either feel pressured to fit in or believe that it’s safe enough if everyone is doing it. Luckily, there are some things you can do to help your teen relieve stress without drugs or alcohol.
First, here are some signs that your child might be starting to fold under the stress: symptoms of physical illness (headaches, stomachaches, muscle pains, chronic fatigue), withdrawing from people and activities (suddenly quitting a sport they’ve played for years, or no longer calling a friend they used to talk to every day), increased anger or irritability, emotional disturbances (frequent or sudden bouts of crying, hopelessness, depression), chronic feelings of worry and nervousness, difficulty sleeping, poor eating habits, and difficulty concentrating.
Depending on what exactly is causing the stress, you might be able to deal with it yourself, or you might need to seek professional help. Some of the most common stressors are academic pressure, pressure to have sex, pressure to fit in, conflict with friends, bodily/hormone changes, and having too many activities. A lot of these things can be solved – or better, cut off at the pass – with some honest communication. Help them study if you can, or look into finding tutors. Talk about your own experiences with sex, whether you felt you did it too early or ways you wish it had been different. If they’re overwhelmed with activities, help them figure out if there’s one they can drop or if there are other places to free up time.
Another thing you can do is temper unrealistic expectations. Maybe your child is under the impression that you expect them to be perfect, in which case you can reassure them that their best is good enough and they don’t have to push beyond their limits.
Some other things to try are: relaxation techniques (yoga, meditation), healthy meals and exercise, making sure they know they can come to you with their problems, practicing for situations that make them nervous (like rehearsing a presentation ahead of time), getting more organized and scheduling breaks and fun activities
If you or a loved one need help with quitting drugs or alcohol, consider Asana Recovery. We offer medical detox, along with both residential and outpatient programs, and you’ll be supervised by a highly trained staff of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists. Call us any time at (949) 438-4504 to get started.
