Helping Kids Manage Their Stress & Anxiety Mindy McKay, MA, LPC

Why are teenagers more stressed and anxious than ever? Anxiety is the most common mental-health disorder in the United States, affecting nearly one-third of both adolescents and adults! (National Institute of Mental Health) A survey by the American Psychological Association in 2014 revealed that teenagers are more stressed than adults. Anxiety and depression are the primary reasons people enter my therapy office. The rise in anxiety reflects several societal changes and cultural shifts we've seen over the past couple of decades.

CAUSES OF TEEN STRESS & ANXIETY Stress from Academic Requirements Drastic Hormonal and Physical Changes Peer Pressure and Social Stress

CAUSES OF TEEN STRESS & ANXIETY Mobile Phones & Social Media This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

CAUSES OF TEEN STRESS & ANXIETY Stress due to Family Problems Traumatic Events Drastic Changes in Life Romantic Relationships Poor Self-Esteem Peer Pressure

CAUSES OF TEEN STRESS & ANXIETY Unhealthy Competition & Comparisons in Academics, Sports & Extracurricular Activities Sibling Rivalry Poor Time Management Kids aren't learning emotional skills

SIGNS OF STRESS & ANXIETY

EMOTIONAL SIGNS Depression or general unhappiness. Agitated, anxious, aloof and irritable. They get angry and overwhelmed easily by simple things. Intense mood swings. Frequent crying spells.

PHYSICAL SIGNS Tiredness or fatigue, headaches, nausea and increased frequency of illnesses and colds. Appetite changes. They may lose interest in sports and other hobbies. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much.

BEHAVIORAL SIGNS Loss of interest in appearance. Procrastinating & neglecting responsibilities. They may seem fidgety and display nervous habits such as nail biting, restless pacing, etc. Using alcohol, cigarettes, drugs.  

COGNITIVE SIGNS Forgetfulness & disorganization. Inability to focus, negative perspective, and poor judgement. Anxious or racing thoughts. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

MANAGING STRESS Sleep Physical Activity Healthy Diet Improved Study Skills

MANAGING STRESS Support from Parents Focus on Positives Talk about it

MANAGING STRESS Find Balance With After School Activities Blow Off Steam Consider Outside Help

16718 House Hahl Road, Suite D Cypress, TX 77433 832-421-8814 Cypress Counseling Center is expanding and moving to a new location January 2018 16718 House Hahl Road, Suite D Cypress, TX 77433 832-421-8814