How can you manage stress while raising a difficult teenager?

1 Recognize the signs of stress

Stress can affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some common signs of stress are headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings. If you notice any of these symptoms, it means you need to take some steps to reduce your stress level and take care of yourself . Ignoring or suppressing stress can lead to more serious health problems and impair your ability to cope with your teen's challenges.

3 Seek support from others

You don't have to deal with your stress alone. You can seek support from other people who understand what you are going through and can offer you advice, encouragement, or comfort. You can talk to your spouse, partner, family, friends, or other parents who have faced similar situations. You can also join a support group, online forum, or counseling service that specializes in helping parents of difficult teenagers. By sharing your experiences and feelings with others, you can reduce your isolation, gain new perspectives, and learn new coping skills.

4 Practice self-care

Self-care is not selfish. It is a way of taking responsibility for your own well-being and happiness. When you practice self-care, you are not only reducing your stress, but also modeling healthy habits for your teen. Self-care can include anything that makes you feel good, relaxed, or energized, such as eating well, exercising, sleeping, meditating, reading, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby. Make sure you carve out some time every day for yourself, and do something that you enjoy and that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.

6 Seek professional help if needed

Sometimes, stress can be too much to handle alone, or it may be a sign of a more serious problem for you or your teen. If you or your teen experience chronic physical symptoms such as chest pain, high blood pressure, or ulcers, persistent mental or emotional symptoms like panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm, substance abuse, addiction, or dependence, violence, aggression, or abuse, legal troubles, school problems, or social isolation, professional help may be necessary. A doctor, therapist, or counselor can provide the diagnosis, treatment and guidance needed to overcome stress and improve quality of life.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?