There are times when students might feel overwhelmed by issues within their home, school, identity, and other domains of life. Research has shown that stress can affect an individual’s mental health, thus impacting their relationships, academic and work performance, health, and so many more life aspects[1]. The good news is that you can learn more about what causes stress and ways to reduce its impact. These resources are intended to help students during difficult transitions in adolescence.
Preventing and coping with stress:
Smart choices about our health and well-being keep us healthy and keep stress from creeping up on us. In addition, these resources are great ways to cope with stress.
- Exercise: Studies show that exercise can decrease stress by improving your overall health[2]. For more information- https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=exercise-and-teenagers-90-P01602
- Mindfulness: This is a type of meditation technique that has been known to help with stress in individuals by focusing on present events and being mindful of their surroundings. http://mindfulnessforteens.com/
- Relaxation Techniques: There are more relaxation tips besides mindfulness. This resource gives more methods for individuals during stressful events. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
Mental Health:
- Depression: Any person can be prone to depression throughout their lives. This website can help, as well as the suicide prevention lifeline listed below (which is not only for those in crisis, but also anyone who wants to talk about their difficult emotions). https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/teenagers-guide-to-depression.htm
Identities:
- First-Generation College Student: Research has shown that students who would be the first in their family to attend college can experience more stress than those who have family members who have already attended a postsecondary institution.[3] These resources provide some great tools and tips: https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/aii/first-gen/ and http://www.imfirst.org/#.
- LGBTQ+: This website gives resources and testimonies for those interested in learning more about their identity or someone else’s close to them. The LGBTQ+ help line listed below is also an option to discuss with someone. http://www.itgetsbetter.org/
During High School:
- Time management: It can be beneficial for students to learn appropriate time management skills in order to decrease the amount of stress gained from impending assignments, extracurricular activities, work, etc.[4] https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/inside-the-classroom/8-ways-to-take-control-of-your-time
- Balancing a job and school: Many students need to work to support themselves or their family members while they are in school. It can be difficult to hold a job while in school. These resources serve as support for individuals who struggle with the balance. https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/outside-the-classroom/balancing-high-school-and-part-time-work or https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/top-10-tips-for-balancing-work-and-school-canada
Beyond High School:
- Choosing a college major: This can be a major concern for graduating high school students. Many individuals change their majors many times throughout the course of their college career. This website gives tips on how to feel more comfortable with the process. https://www.crown.edu/nook/the-ultimate-guide-to-choosing-a-college-major/
- Finding a job after graduating high school: This is also a concern for those who are graduating high school. There are many sites that list job openings and give application and interview tips; here is a good place to start. https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/career-planning-for-high-schoolers.htm
To talk one-on-one:
You can call or text these numbers not only in crisis, but also when dealing with any troubling emotions, as well. The websites listed also give information on how to seek help.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or visit https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ for a chat room.
- LGBTQ+ line: Youth Line- (1-800-268-9688) or visit http://www.youthline.ca/ for a chatroom and text messaging information; also, The Trevor Project- (1-866-488-7386) or visit http://www.thetrevorproject.org/ for a chatroom and text messaging information. For transgender individuals seeking support, please call 1-877-565-8860 or visit http://www.translifeline.org
- Sexual Assault and/or Dating Violence: These resources can be helpful for individuals struggling with relationship violence or a sexual assault. There is contact information on these websites for more help. http://www.loveisrespect.org/ or https://www.rainn.org/
For more help, speak with a trusted adult or school counselor.
[1] Shankar, N. L., & Park, C. L. (2016). Effects of stress on students’ physical and mental health and academic success. International Journal of School & Educational Psychology, 4(1), 5-9.
[2] Salmon, P. (2001). Effects of physical exercise on anxiety, depression, and sensitivity to stress: A unifying theory. Clinical Psychology Review, 21(1), 33-61.
[3] Morazes, J. L. (2016). Educational background, high school stress, and academic success. Children and Youth Services Review, 69, 201-209. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2016.08.008
[4] Häfner, A., Stock, A., & Oberst, V. (2015). Decreasing students’ stress through time management training: An intervention study. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 30(1), 81-94.