Home Life

A lot of times, things can get stressful in your home. Not only are you under stress, but so is your entire family. Dealing with siblings, divorce, or any change can cause a great deal of stress in your life. Read below for coping solutions!

Unhealthy Ways of Dealing with Stress

Sometimes, stress in a household or in a teens life can lead to these unhealthy ways of dealing with stress. Fighting back against these requires the positive behaviors and lifestyle changes shown below.

Self Injury

Cutting and other forms of self harm can momentarily relieve stress for an individual, however it doesn’t last and can be very dangerous 7

Emotional Eating

some people may eat when they are experiencing a negative emotion, as a form of comfort and relief. It can also open the door for eating disorders, which are harmful to any individual 7

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Substance abuse is a common way teens tend to deal with stress, however it can lead to major problems down the line. Alcohol related car accidents is the leading cause of death among teens 7

Overspending

Overspending is another way to relieve stress and fill a void for some. It can lead to feelings of shame and despression, much like any other addiction. Gambling is a common form of overspending 7

Withdrawal/Aggression

Some people choose to isolate themselves or become violent as a means to relieve stress. Aggression can also include cyber bullying 7

Compulsive Working or Studying

Some teens can become obsessed with school work, and start eliminating other things in their lives that don’t relate to it. They become dependent on working in order to relieve other stress 7

How to Fight Back…

Lots of teens engage in these unhealthy behaviors when they feel stressed, but recognizing the stressful situations can allow you to work to avoid them or manage them in a positive way. Below are healthy ways of managing stress that every teen should incorporate into their lifestyles.

  • Sleep! – sleep is proven to help you better cope with situations and have a more positive mindset.
  • Eat Healthy – just like getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods can help you better handle stress. It also keeps you energized, helps to keep your brain functioning properly, minimizes the chance of developing certain illnesses, and helps to regulate mood.
  • Relax – Being on your phone or playing videogames is not relaxing, so breathing and meditating can be good ways to unwind and avoid a stressful situation
  • Exercise Daily – Exercising is known to improve brain function, decrease stress and tension, enhance mood, relieve anxiety and help with depression, and provide an overall sense of well-being.
  • Talk – talking to a trusted adult or friend about your day can help you let go of some of your stress. It can also be beneficial to receive perspective on some issues you may be facing 7

Divorce

A parents divorce can be awful, and it is a common occurrence. It can uproot your life and make you lose your sense of control, but there are ways with dealing with the added stress that can make your life easier.

If you are worried your parents might divorce because they fight, remember that couples argue, however if the constant bickering is bothering you, you can approach them about your feelings. 2

New Rules

It can be frustrating if you have two different parents that enforce different rules. For example, if your mom lets you use your phone at night and your dad doesn’t.

Coping: Don’t be afraid to speak up and tell your parents what works for you. 2

Meeting New People

A lot of times a parent may enter a new relationship or get remarried. This can be hard because it symbolizes your parent moving on, and it may mean more siblings.

Coping: Look for shared interests with the person and take your time getting to know them and their kids. 2

The Bag

Packing for both houses can be a major source of stress, especially if you often forget things.

Coping: Have a designated bag that is always packed with your essentials, just in case, and keep a list on your phone of items you may need. 2

Being in the Middle

It can be difficult if your parents tend to put you in the middle of arguments, and make you feel like a mediator.

Coping: Tell each of them calmly that you don’t like to hear bad things about the other, and if needed speak to a trusted adult such as a guidance counselor about meeting with your parents. 2

Homesick

It can be hard to miss a parent or a pet, especially if your parent lives very far away.

Coping: Set a time everyday where you can talk to your parent on the phone, and find shared activities such as reading the same book. Remember that you shouldn’t feel guilty if a parent is upset that you aren’t with them, because it isn’t your fault. 2