Online learning is more stressful for some families than it is for others. And when teenagers are the ones learning online, problems often become more frightening than they would otherwise. Teens are notoriously social creatures, and when they must learn from home, they may feel lonely or cut-off from the rest of the world. For these reasons, if your teenager is currently attending school online, it’s essential to help them learn proper outlets for stress management. For assistance in teaching this, contact Pennsylvania Adult and Teen Challenge at 844.442.8673 today.
Why Online Learning May Not Be an Ideal Situation for Teens
Teenagers face many changes that adults have moved beyond. Sometimes, as parents, this is easy to forget. But if you take time to think back on your last four years of school and remember what was most important, you may see your teen’s dilemma. Socialization is a huge part of high school, and teens who must socially distance may miss out on many milestones, including:
- Homecoming games and dances
- Prom
- Graduation ceremonies
- Concerts
- Marching band opportunities
They may seem insignificant to parents who struggle every day with work worries and financial hardships, but these events are very real to your teen. As a result, missing out on them can cause depression and anxiety. Teens and stress go hand-in-hand on a good day, but in a socially distanced world where teens must engage in online learning instead of in-person socialization, levels may escalate. If your teen is floundering, seek help from a behavioral healthcare center today.
Symptoms of Poor Stress Management in Teens
Everyone handles stress differently, but teenagers are still undergoing hormonal and emotional growth. Accordingly, little setbacks may feel much more significant than they should. Missing out on prom can be devastating to someone who’s eagerly anticipated it for four years. And losing the opportunity to walk across a stage and accept a hard-earned diploma may be equally hard to accept. If your teen is grieving over everything they’re missing during online learning, look for these signs of stress in teens:
- Frequent stomachaches or headaches
- Trouble maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
- Sudden, drastic changes in weight
- Unusual irritability
- Bouts of anger that seem out-of-proportion
In a perfect world, your teen would have a wealth of friends, teachers, and counselors to interact with every day. Not so much with distance learning. As a parent during this global pandemic, you are your child’s primary advocate. You may be the only person they interact with physically for days at a time. It’s essential to watch for signs your teen may need help to maintain their mental wellness. It falls on you to be alert and proactive in finding the right behavioral healthcare services that specialize in teens and stress.
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge Can Assist with Teens and Stress
Many teens turn to drugs or alcohol to manage their stress. If this is the case for your teen, it’s time to reach out to our treatment center. Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge provides a superior level of behavioral care. Since 1958, we’ve been at the forefront of issues such as stress management in teens. We offer outpatient services through the Naaman Center. Our faith-based programs have helped hundreds of young people learn the coping skills and recovery behaviors needed to live happier, more fulfilling lives. We offer a range of treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- PCP addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
If today’s global health crisis is wreaking havoc on your teen’s mental wellness, one call can help. Teens and stress can be explosive combinations, with online learning as the match that lights the flame. If you suspect your child feels secluded, lonely, or depressed as they learn from home, reach out for help and advice. Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge has the tools to turn things around. Contact us today at 844.442.8673 to learn more about how we can help your teen learn better stress management skills to benefit them now and in the years to come.
