Effects of Long-Term Stress on Adolescents
- Whitney Elaine
- Oct 9, 2023
- 4 min read
Anxiety levels among high school students today are comparable to those among psychiatric patients in the 1950s. Think about that for a moment: before the 1950s, teenagers who are now seen as normal would have been referred for specialized care. Numerous mental health problems in teenagers and young adults may be triggered by stress. Adolescent stress can result in major brain alterations, according to several experts and scientists, especially because the teenage brain is still growing and evolving.
The gray matter and amygdala of the brain undergo changes between childhood and adolescence, which have a significant impact on how a young person's brain receives and interprets external cues, including stress. The brain circuits that assist a teen in managing feelings of stress don't function as well as they should when
their developing brain is overloaded.
Neuroscientist Doctor Richard Restak, author of Think Smart, states: “It [the adolescent brain] doesn’t manage stress very well. Typically stress in an adult brain causes a rise in cortisol levels (
a measure of stress) followed by a gradual decrease over an hour or two. In adolescents, that burst of cortisol hangs around a lot longer, resulting in sustained exposure of the brain to harmful effects, such as shrinkage of cells in the hippocampus (resulting in memory loss and depression) and the amygdala (resulting in anxiety and other overwhelming emotions).”
He goes on to state: “This has important consequences because the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex are the three brain areas that undergo major changes during adolescence. If these brain areas are damaged by stress hormones, the effect can extend into adulthood …”
In other words, poorly managed stress can interfere with the adolescent brain's ability to grow and adapt. The neuronal pathways that control brain stress over time may result in either under- or over-reactivity. Teenagers may then appear locked down or overly nervous as a result of this. Regardless of how a teen's
failure to handle stress presents, it can cause serious problems with cognitive functioning, mental and emotional health, and difficulties in a variety of other aspects of life.
The hormone cortisol is released when under stress. It is in charge of controlling blood pressure and making sure the immune system is in good shape. Too much cortisol can reduce immunity, raise blood pressure, and impair cognitive function. Teenagers have a less developed prefrontal cortex, which controls the stress response causing young adults to experience prolonged periods under stress.
Some sources of long-term stress in teenagers include:
High expectations of themselves
Pressures from school or the workplace
Bullying
The loss of a loved one
Social issues, including climate change
Sexual harassment and violence
Low self-esteem
Troubles with social pressure, friendships, and romantic connections
Problems in the family, such as divorce and family strife
Local or regional catastrophes, like shootings at schools and natural disasters
Signs of Teen Stress:
Aches and pains - Young adults experiencing stress may report experiencing more aches and pains, including headaches, muscle pains, and exhaustion. Teenagers may become irritable or angry due to stress.
Changes in eating habits – stress can lead to young people's appetites changing.
Increased anxiety – stress can make young adults more worried than usual. They may eat more or much less than usual. They may neglect their set chores, hobbies, or responsibilities as a result of their stress.
They may have trouble concentrating. They may become disengaged from their daily activities as a result of their worry about the cause of their stress.
Loss of interest in learning — It can be difficult for teenagers to remain motivated or involved in their studies when they are under a lot of stress at school. In the worst circumstances, students might come to believe that they "can"; and imagine quitting school.
Substance misuse and alcoholism - Teenagers may begin to experiment with alcohol and other drugs as an attempt to "self-medicate" their stress. At this age, study drugs may start to seem appealing as a way to deal with the pressures of school, while other substances may appear to ease their symptoms.
Self-harm — Adolescents who experience stress they can't handle for a long time may start to adopt increasingly drastic ways to cope. Unusual hair loss, burned, cut, or bruised skin, and dangerous behavior around food, sex, or digital presence are all signs of self-harm.
Teenage stress can lead to mental health issues even though it is not a mental health condition. A devastating period of stress can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and young adults who experience repeated or chronic stress are more likely to acquire disorders, including depression and anxiety. The chance of long-term health problems like heart disease, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and depression has also been linked to teen stress, according to research.
Managing Stress:
Exercise - Physical activity is an excellent stress reliever for people of all ages, and it is widely known that it triggers a relaxation reaction afterward. Try going for a walk or a run outside to make it even more stress-relieving; research shows that those who spend time in green environments experience less despair, tension, and anxiety.
Getting enough sleep at night - Adolescents as a whole rarely do. Many people are unaware that teenagers require between eight and ten hours of sleep each night and that getting enough rest helps to reduce stress. To get the most out of your sleep, avoid using devices after dark and set a regular time to go to bed.
Scheduling fun activities - Everyone needs downtime, so schedule fun activityies whenever possible. Whatever helps you unwind and allows your mind and body to rest can be this, whether it's a thrilling activity or a calm night in with a book.
Practice mindfulness - it's a terrific method to reduce stress. One study found that teens who practiced mindfulness were much less stressed than those who did not and that self-compassion and mindful breathing are both effective ways to lower stress.
Talking it out - sit down and discuss the source of your stress with friends or a family member you can trust. This can help people put difficult events into perspective and encourage collaboration on problem-solving.
Particularly during the vulnerable adolescent period of development, stress exposure may have a major impact on the structure and function of the brain, leading to morbidities that may endure long into adulthood. Fortunately, there are many signs and accessible coping mechanisms one can use to help lessen the burden and the effects of stress before they become severe.
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