Stress

Teenagers are, in general, vulnerable to stress; it comes from anywhere and almost everywhere, such as

• School demands and frustrations
• negative thoughts and feelings about themselves
• changes in their bodies
• problems with friends and/or peers at school
• unsafe living environment/neighborhood
• separation or divorce of parents
• chronic illness or severe problems in the family
• death of a loved one
• moving or changing schools
• taking on too many activities or having too high expectations
• Family financial problems

And surprisingly, much more.

The difference between boys and girls with stress is who's most likely to get them and the cause of stress. Girls get stress mostly because of their relationships with family or friends; boys' stress is caused by trouble in school, with grades or relationships outside family and friends.

If we were to narrow down who has more stress, or most likely to be depress, it would be girls. Karen D. Rudolph, PhD of the University of Illinois said "Adolescent girls may be more invested than boys in their relationships as a source of emotional support and, perhaps, personal identity, interpersonal stress may be more salient and may act as a stronger threat to their well-being,"

There are ways to reduce the stress and it works for both teenage boys and girls, such as:

• Exercise and eat regularly
• Avoid excess caffeine intake which can increase feelings of anxiety and agitation
• Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco
• Learn relaxation exercises
• Develop assertiveness training skills. For example, state feelings in polite firm and not overly aggressive or passive ways.
• Rehearse and practice situations which cause stress.
• Learn practical coping skills.
• Decrease negative self talk.
• Learn to feel good about doing a competent or "good enough” job rather than demanding perfection from yourself and others
• Take a break from stressful situations.
• Build a network of friends who help you cope in a positive way.

In conclusion, no matter who has more stress, it’s not healthy, so just relax. Thank you for any feedback.

references:

-scienceblog.com/community/older/1999/A/199900852.html
-aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/helping_teenagers_with_stress