Stress mostly occurs when people are faced with difficult situations, tasks or demands. For example, stress may be caused by work and school obligations you cannot get on top of and messy relationships. Anger, sadness, and tension can take over, but sometimes the root of it is unknown even to us.
Short-term stress can have a positive effect. It encourages and urges you to outdo yourself, and you feel proud when you have overcome all the difficulties. However, long-term stress and tension is more than the body can endure and often leads to loss of appetite, irritability, nervousness, stomach aches, headaches and difficulties falling asleep. Constant stress may escalate and turn into depression or another mental disorder.
But how should we cope with stress?
- Share your problems with someone you trust. Talk to them about your worries; it makes coping with stress easier. The conversation partner can be a friend or family member, a teacher or classmate, a family friend, or a school psychologist.
- Try to find the cause of your stress. Try to answer the following questions: What is causing you stress? Is it the amount of homework? Perhaps it is the amount of hobbies? Could it be relationships at home or school? Once you understand the cause of stress, you can start thinking and find solutions. Taking a bit of time off always helps.
- Reduce the effect of stress on your body. What helps you relieve stress and feel better? Some people feel better when they spend time with friends, others when they listen to music, do physical work, or do sports. Make a list of activities that help you take your mind off the stress.
There are simple ways to take control of the increasing stress. If you failed after trying the tips, you can always go to a specialist who will help you overcome it.
Written by the youth information portal Teeviit based on the National Institute for Health Development at www.tai.ee.
The National Institute for Health Development is a public research and development institution which conducts research on public health, disease prevention programmes and activities and promotes health.
Published in the youth information portal Teeviit in 2022.
