How Parents Should Learn to Cope with Their Teenagers Periods of "Storm and Stress"

                                                                                   

                                                                                                

                                                                                                            

Typically teenagers want to be and live their life all by themselves in their own way. They typically don't want any form of interference, not even by their parents or siblings. During times of unfavorable situations, teenagers get easily frustrated. They also display lack patience and confidence.

Researchers have found that over 60% of teenagers engage in sexual activities while over 50% particularly younger teenagers regretted their experience and wished they never indulged in sex act at the time they did. 

Sexual activities among teenagers is associated with a lot of negative outcomes which can result in lasting emotional, physical, economics and  social consequences  on the lives of teenagers particularly the girls and young women. Here are some of the outcomes of teenage sexual activities stand higher risk of:

·         Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Teenager particularly girls, are physiologically vulnerable to getting infections, as a result of being exposed to early sexual activity. 

·         Pregnancy childbearing before marriage most girls could have been pregnant or have had a child at least once before they turn 18years.

Stress which is characterized by feelings of tension, frustration, sadness and depression that could be more severe and long lasting .It is characterized by more extreme feelings of isolation, hopelessness, withdrawal, and worthlessness. 

Stress and depression particularly among teenagers can be caused by many factors such as.

1. The major cause of stress and depression among teenagers is strong trouble with family members, friends, classmates, roommates and even teachers. Teenagers often feel helpless and alone at this situation and they keep themselves far from the outer world.

2. Another major cause of stress and depression which was earlier seen in young teenagers that leads to frustration and irritation was the manifestation of changes which they see in their body because of puberty.  

3. Other cause by which they feel stressed and depressed are break up from girlfriend/boyfriend, pressure from school, injury or illness of family member, increased argument with parents or in parents.

4. It can also be due to the change in the socio economic status of the family.

5. Sometimes teenagers get depressed by silly and stupid things like if their parents are not giving them stuffs they want like new phone, car or anything they dream of.

Consequences of Stress and Depression on Teenagers

As more and more teenagers are facing problems of stress and depression the adverse consequences are on the increase. Some of the consequences are as follows:

• One of them is suicide. Teenage suicidal cases are increasing day by day in our society.

•  Other adverse effects are antisocial behaviour , anger ,avoidance ,fighting with siblings ,parents and friends ,crying ,smoking ,drug addiction , fast driving , sleeping more and more in order to neglect the present situation ,poor academic skills may also cause as teenage don't find interest in anything he/she do.

•   Although it is very difficult if not near impossible to get rid of such situation. Some measures to cope up with stress and depression include listening to music, watching television, day dreaming, spending more and more time with friends and family members, or with the one whose company is appreciated.

•   Long walking, reminiscent about good times, focus on what you can control, ask for a hug, deep breathing and smile a lot.

•  Other measure can be doing things which one likes to do or need counseling in severe cases.

As most parents and teachers tell the female teenager about hormonal changes it greatly helps to minimize the negative effects.