The American Psychological Association conducted a study and found that during the school year, teens say their stress level is higher than levels reported by adults in the same time period. Similarly for teens and adults, stress has an impact on healthy behaviors such as exercising, sleeping well and eating healthy foods. According to this study, teens report that their stress level during the school year far exceeds what they believe to be healthy (5.8 versus 3.9 on a 10-point scale) and tops adults’ average reported stress levels (5.8 for teens versus 5.1 for adults). Many teens also report feeling overwhelmed (31 percent) and depressed or sad (30 percent) as a result of stress. More than one-third of teens report fatigue or feeling tired (36 percent) and nearly one-quarter of teens (23 percent) report skipping a meal due to stress. Despite the impact that stress appears to have on their lives, teens are more likely than adults to report that their stress level has a slight or no impact on their body or physical health (54 percent of teens versus 39 percent of adults) or their mental health (52 percent of teens versus 43 percent of adults).
It is vital that parents communicate with their teens about how to cope constructively with stress and to use stress as a way to challenge their personal growth. In addition, it is imperative that parents model healthy coping when dealing with stress. It is vital that parents lead by example. Stress is a normal part of the human experience. There is no way to get around it. Stress can be a wonderful teacher if we allow it to inoculate one and to learn from the stressor. It is important to emphasis long term tools for coping with stress such as proper nutrition, adequate sleep, exercise and positive thinking.
I am committed to providing the highest quality of care and maintain a deep desire to facilitate personal transformation that allows individuals to live whole-heartedly. My desire is that individuals live a life embodied with peace, joy, love, and prosperity. I hope to accomplish my purpose, which is to help you live your dream of realizing your fullest potential in a personal and meaningful manner that allows you to live the life you want.
A.C.T. will provide free resource information for individuals and families to help promote education. For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or (858) 792-3541. You may also visit us online at www.a4ct.com. ACT serves the Del Mar 92014 and Rancho Santa Fe 92067 area.
