Teens and 'Too Much'

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

Today • Friday • June 20, 2008

 

By Dr Bill Maier

 

Teens today are busier than ever, and the stress can easily become overwhelming.

 

I recently heard from a 17-yearold who couldn’t stay awake in class. Her life was so busy that the stress kept her up at nights, no matter how early she went to bed.

 

The poor girl wasn’t even out of high school, yet she seemed to be hanging on by a thread.

 

Teens today are under a lot of pressure, yet not all of them are wired to handle it very well.

 

It can easily lead to depression or other health problems.

 

And the symptoms they experience are the same as an adult’s – such as insomnia, sadness or feelings of hopelessness.

 

If you sense that your teen is struggling, don’t wait for them to come to you.

 

Talk to them about what they’re feeling. If their schedule is stretching them too far, step in and do something about it.