Red Flags Your Teen Is Stressed Out and Needs Help (2024)

Bullying, peer pressure, and academic challenges can put stressed-out teens at risk for physical and mental health problems. However, stress in teens might not look like what you expect: Signs can range from the physical to the mental. If you notice any of these 10 signs of stress in teenagers, it might be time to contact your health provider for advice.

1. Headaches and Stomachaches

Physical manifestations of stress are common. Frequent headaches, stomachaches, and other somatic concerns may be a sign of stress.

2. Sleep Issues

Trouble falling or staying asleep can be a sign of stress. And it can be a vicious cycle: An overtired teen is less likely to be able to tolerate stress.

Some anxious or depressed teens sleep too much. A teen who always wants to go back to bed after school or tries to sleep all day on the weekends might be trying to escape stress.

3. Academic Problems

Problems with schoolwork and grades can be both a cause of stress and a result of it. If your teen’s grades have declined or their attendance is poor, talk with them about what they're feeling and enlist the aid of a counselor.

4. Increased Irritability

Although teens tend to be moody by nature, a stressed-out teen is likely to be more irritable than usual. If your teen's anger or annoyance with minor inconveniences seems outsized, they might be feeling overwhelmed. Remember that their emotions are in proportion to their perceptions, which might not reflect reality.

5. Changes in Socialization

Stress is likely to change a teen’s social habits. Social isolation can be a sign your teen is struggling with stress. Spending more time in their room than usual or showing a lack of interest in talking to friends could signal difficulties.

6. Frequent Illness

Teens who are stressed out are more likely than others to get colds and other minor illnesses, causing them to miss school, extracurricular, and social events.

7. Negative Changes in Behavior

Behavior problems in teens often (but not always) result from stress. You might see increased behavior problems ranging from skipping school to talking back.

8. Difficulty Concentrating

When teens have a lot on their minds, it’s hard for them to concentrate on their work. They might become easily distracted in class and have difficulty staying on task while completing their homework.

9. Negative Talk

Anxious teens use a lot of negative talk. For example, a teen might say things such as, “No one likes me,” or “Nothing ever seems to go right.”Although it’s normal for teens to make these comments sometimes, doing so more than usual is likely a sign of stress.

10. General Sense of Worry

Stressed teens often worry about all the bad things that could happen or about others' perception of them. If your teen has been expressing more worry than usual, consider that stress might be its source.

When to Seek Professional Help

Many teens aren’t able to say, “I’m stressed and this is why." Rather, their behavior often announces it for them.

If you suspect your teen is struggling with stress, open up a conversation about it to learn more. Don't minimize their concerns; instead, ask questions and listen attentively for any insight you might glean.

If your teen’s stress seems to be interfering with school, family, household responsibilities, or friends, it's time to seek professional help. Symptoms lasting more than two weeks can indicate an underlying mental health problem, such asdepression or anxiety.

Talk to your teen’s healthcare provider about your concerns. Their doctor will first rule out any physical health issues before exploring potential psychological, emotional, or social problems. Many general practitioners address such issues but will refer your child to a specialist if signs and symptoms are intense.