Everyone experiences traumatic stress at some point in life, especially in a fast-paced and high-pressure world. Managing traumatic stress is essential to maintaining mental health and quality of life. Processing traumatic stress can be difficult, especially for adolescents. It’s a surreal time in which everything is heightened and feelings go wild. So how can teens cope with these feelings? First, know that you’re not the only one. Lots of teens in one way, shape or form experience trauma — from bullying, family problems or even world events that seem unbearable. Knowing you are not alone, and that other people are in similar situations can be comforting enough and is the first step of healing.
Here are some effective strategies to help teens manage traumatic stress:
Social support is one of the most significant ways of coping with traumatic stress. It’s well-documented that a strong network of friends, family, teachers and mentors can help people get through challenging periods and offer them comfort when no one else can. Sharing emotions might lighten the load on one’s shoulders. If talking feels impossibly hard at first, try writing in a journal instead. This is one way of expressing oneself without being judged and a way to clarify thoughts.
Physical exercise or engaging in physical activities may also have a role in in coping with traumatic stress. It also has been demonstrated to release endorphins, little chemicals that float around the brain acting as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Regular exercising can lower symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with traumatic stress. Whether it’s sports, drawing, or listening to music, hobbies can be a distraction from thinking negatively.
Wellness methods like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help teens balance out stress and achieve a calm and peaceful attitude. Mindfulness based programs, according to research, have the capabilities to reduce stressed and enhance well-being.
Dealing with traumatic stress is key to being both mentally and physically well, which is important especially for young people who can be subjected to an array of stresses and pressures. There is social support, physical activity and mindfulness-based interventions that teens can use to successfully cope with traumatic stress and increase their quality of life. Teenagers should make sure that they focus on their mental health and well-being and should incorporate these strategies in their daily schedule.
If you or a teenager you know is dealing with traumatic stress, Arbor Wellness is here for you. Our team of skilled and compassionate health professionals provides a safe and caring atmosphere for healing and growth. We offer individualized, clinical interventions to address what your teen needs so they can take back control and find peace. Your teen’s well-being is our priority, and together we can help them regain control and find peace.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/stress
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/post-traumatic-stress-disorder
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-disasters-and-other-traumatic-events
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3113486/
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/collective-trauma-recovery
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db514.htm
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/17/9-facts-about-bullying-in-the-us/
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Helping-Teenagers-With-Stress-066.aspx
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma
https://chconline.org/resourcelibrary/healthy-friendships-in-adolescence/
https://health.choc.org/guide/stress-busters-physical-activity/
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-benefits-of-journaling
