Sunday, May 19, 2002		Stressbusters

• Many of the stresses teens experience are related to growing up.

• Teenagers:

— worry about their changing body,

— struggle with sexuality and

— search for their identity.

• Teenagers can talk about their problems and should develop problems-solving skills.

• However, because of the emotional upheaval and their uncertainty about important decisions, they need special help and support from adults.

• During early adolescence, teens are very sensitive to criticism.

• Even well meant advice can seem like criticism and trigger an angry or defensive response.

• Common stresses include:

• Taking tests,

• pressure to make good grades

• pressure to experiment with sex and drugs, problems in boy/girl relationships,

• concern about fairness, right and wrong, nervousness about speeches and competition,

• uncertainty about personal appearance, pressure from too many activities,

• caring for younger brothers and sisters,

• not enough time, and lack of self-confidence.

How can you tell if your teenager is under too much stress:

You should look for:

• eating or weight problems,

• excessive daydreaming,

• drug abuse or nervous tics like unusual eye-blinking,

• nail biting, and

• muscle twitching.

• Emotional stresses lead to talk about suicide, delinquency, perfectionist behaviour, isolation, and failure in school.

• Neglecting personal appearance, increased irritability and exhaustion are other signs of stress.

• Often teens response to stress by:

• withdrawing,

• not communicating,

• becoming rebellious, and

• getting into trouble.

(The writer is a former senior Haryana-cadre police officer)