Newswise — SALISBURY, MD---Leaps from middle to high school or high school to college, in particular, are periods of tremendous growth and challenge for teenagers. While these transitions are essential and often positive, they can be accompanied by anxiety and tension for students and parents.
According to Jennifer Berkman, director of Student Health Services at Salisbury University, identifying and understanding the sources of stress is important in coping, if not using stress as a stepping stone to success.
What are some of the causes? During adolescence, boys and girls may feel like they’re caught in a perfect storm of change. When entering high school or college, the new environment may trigger anxiety. They frequently struggle with increasing levels of independence and responsibility. Such new worlds may feel unsafe or difficult to navigate. Add the social and interpersonal landscape: relationships may assume heightened significance as the student is confronted with new experiences, peer pressure and self-identity issues. And, changes in physical appearance and growth may lead to a lack of confidence, self-acceptance or even physical discomfort.
Performance in the classroom and other arenas such as athletics heighten pressure, and can lead to unrealistic expectations. A common scenario is watching stellar students and athletes feel inadequate in more competitive and demanding environments. They transition from being a “big fish in a small pond” to a smaller fish navigating uncharted waters. Emotional intensity followed by periods of withdrawal may seem the new norm.
What can be done to help? Providing opportunities for teens to express their worries and fears in a private and safe environment is paramount. Anxiety is real and often simply listening allows them to identify the causes of stress and the associated negative emotions. An empathetic listener aids in reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Listening is active. Helping the young person identify natural coping skills and abilities (competence, reflection, decision-making and self-expression) can assist in re-establishing a sense of control or forward movement. During this time in life, teens may have difficulty identifying and expressing feelings on their own. Parents and others may need to model these skills through their own language and expressions.
Stress is normal and it helps when teens see that most of their fears and worries are also felt by others. Often when a young person is offered examples of tribulations experienced by another it leads to the self-realization that they are not alone and can change their perspective. A teenager can be her or his own worst critic; they need to be reminded that perfectionism is rarely humane. The young person should understand that everyone has negative thoughts and emotions sometimes; seeking help to identify and manage them in a pro-active way is healthy.
Teens may be reluctant to accept assistance from strangers or professionals; nevertheless, family and friends should continue to offer support and let them know about available resources. If anxiety levels begin to interfere with normal activities such as the ability to sleep, concentrate, or interact socially and academically; or produces emotional disturbances including irritability or withdrawing for more than a few months, consult with school personnel or mental health professionals to engage the student in support services and medical care.
Although it’s rarely a smooth progression, most teens grow through adolescence successfully, and will develop stronger skills and abilities to manage life transitions.
For more information, or to speak with Berkman, call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.
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