STRESS AMONG YOUNGSTERS

Health Hazards | August 21, 2010 | Share

Shiv had become a loner. He performed well in school but couldn’t pass college. He couldn’t befriend his new classmates who were a year younger than him. He rarely talked to anyone and remained aloof at home. He tried slicing his wrist once. This sent alarming signals to his parents who took him to a specialist.

The competitive lifestyles and incessant need to excel at everything, be it academics, relationships, jobs, public appearance has taken a toll on many students and young professionals like Shiv.
A research from Institute of Social Research at University of Michigan found that out of eight thousand high school students and people in early twenties, nearly two third felt stressed out at least once a week.

Signs and Symptoms of stress

Stress is the feeling of anxiety, nervousness, sadness and withdrawal. A little stress is not bad as it motivates to perform better but if not handled constructively then stress is hazardous for health, both mentally and physically.
The most common and certain signs of stress can be mood swings, frequent crying, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, thoughts of suicide and more than normal fatigue etc. Eating disorders from anorexic behavior to binge eating can also be symptoms of stress. Youngsters may cling to internet all the time and not feel interested in everyday chores. Extreme form of stress can also manifest as depression which is more severe and long lasting. Clinging to drugs and alcohol as an escape route can be disastrous.

Causes

Conforming to parents, peers, teachers and their own selves can build up difficult expectations for emotionally vulnerable people. The most usual reason for high level of stress among youth as identified by surveys and studies are broken relationships, sibling trouble, academic pressure, demanding careers, loss of self esteem, poor social skills, family conflicts and absent or divorced parents. Teens are now-a-days overwhelmed with the workload of studies and all sorts of extracurricular activities.
Personal illness or illness in the family and sexual abuse can also be the possible reasons for increasing stress levels among youngsters. This list can be an exhaustive one as the cases differ from person to person.

Dealing with stress

Many people deal with stress constructively by sharing their worries with friends and family, pursuing a hobby, etc. But for those who start to crack under the burdensome lifestyle, it’s essential to find ways for relief. First of all, it’s important for parents and teachers to keep in touch with the children and to identify the problem at an early stage. Stress busters too vary for different individuals. For some, listening to music or dancing proves to be relaxing; for others just a stroll works. Numerous other relaxing activities like meditation, fishing, reading book, shopping, playing a sport, deep breathing and other muscle relaxing activities can be tried. Increased physical and social activities help build confidence.
Setting realistic short and long term goals for oneself should ease the pace. Parents need to be the support system and not monstrous bosses. In severe cases, it’s important to consult a professional who can identify the cause and give appropriate medication and advice. A positive outlook about life and emotional development of individuals should be a focus area from early child development in home and schools.
An unhealthy mind leads to an unhealthy body. Hence it’s important to address this slow killer in the society and create a happy environment.

Neha Agarwal