In this section:

• Things that cause stress are called stressors
• Signs of Stress
• Here are some ideas about managing stress that you might want to talk about with your teenager - they might even help you to deal with your stress.

• change in your daily routine

• change in your health; catching a cold, breaking an arm

• going to a new school

• divorce or separation of parents

• winning an award

• taking a test

• death of a relative

• imagining or fearing changes (this is called worrying)

• pushing your body too hard; "hitting the wall," "running out of gas"

• relationships and peers

• overload - school, work, competitive activities

• Headaches

• Nervousness, anxiety attacks

• Itchy skin rashes

• Stomach aches, cramps and diarrhoea, colitis, irritable bowel

• Fast heartbeat

• Perspiration

• Increased urination

• Inability to study, lack of concentration

• Carelessness or forgetfulness

• Boredom

• Angry outbursts

• Drop in school performance

• Nightmares

• Feeling sad/depressed, scared, withdrawn

• Talk to a person you feel comfortable with

• Take deep breaths and practice deep breathing

• Find time to relax and chill out

• Exercise daily and do muscle tension relaxation exercises

• Get enough sleep and rest

• Learn to laugh at yourself, enjoy humorous events

• Don't dwell on your weaknesses

• Feel proud of your accomplishments

• Get rid of bottled-up anger and frustration through exercise or some sort of physical activity; punch a pillow or punching bag

• Prepare for tests early

• Eat healthy meals or snacks

• Take one thing at a time

• Set realistic goals

• Stop worrying about things that may never happen

• Learn from your mistakes

• Forgive yourself and others

• Get involved with things you like to do

• Make time for fun

• Do something for others