- According to statistics compiled by the National Institutes of Health, approximately 31.9% of adolescents had an anxiety disorder and child and adolescent anxiety disorders increased 20% between 2007 and 2012.
- According to data published by the American College Health Association 55.9% of college students reported that they felt things were hopeless at some time during the last 12 months, 87.4% reported that they felt overwhelmed by all they had to do at some time during the last 12 months, 65.6% reported that they felt very lonely at some time during the last 12 months, and 84.7% reported that they felt exhausted (not from physical activity) at some time during the last 12 months
- If the above numbers aren’t compelling enough, research presented at the 2017 Pediatric Academic Societies Meeting concluded that the number of children and adolescents admitted to hospitals for thoughts of suicide or self-harm more than doubled during the prior ten years.
So, what can parents and educators do to help prevent students from becoming statistics and still ensure they have the desired positive educational, professional, and personal outcomes?
One: OVERSCHEDULING - Don’t do it
Research shows that downtime is important for healthy development and positive physical and mental health outcomes. Students who have little to no time to decompress are more likely to struggle in school, suffer from mental health challenges, and are less effective in coping with life’s inevitable stressors. Teaching students the value of balance is a necessary gift.
In a society that values achievement, perhaps overachievement, it can be hard to step back and evaluate the role adults play in fueling adolescent stress (hint: most of it). On the one hand, having high expectations encourages students to do their best, on the other, an over-emphasis on quantitatively defining young people (grades, test scores, goals, hoops, runs, points, etc.,) can cause extreme stress and encourage unhealthy lifestyle habits.
What can you do? Make sure expectations are realistic—most students do not make straight As, not every student can succeed in AP classes, and most are not college athletes—but that is okay. Acknowledging students’ strengths and weaknesses is an important step in positioning them to meet their academic and professional goals. Considering the whole person is an important means by which to identify appropriate classes and meaningful and fulfilling, not overwhelming extracurricular activities.
Two: SLEEP - Make it a priority
Adolescence is an important developmental stage of cognitive and physical growth. Sleep is essential for healthy development and positive mental health. Additionally, habits cultivated now impact future habits—for better, for worse.
According to the National Institutes of Health, research shows that in order for teens to function optimally, they need 9 to 10 hours of sleep EVERY DAY. Furthermore, teens who get inadequate sleep are more likely to struggle in school and struggle with depression.
What can you do? Encourage and/or ensure students get sufficient sleep!
Three: STRESS - Help students manage it
Stress is a normal byproduct of living life. While some stress can be avoided, in many cases it simply needs to be managed. In a survey by the American Psychological Association, 83% or teens reported that school is a significant or somewhat significant source of stress. Other major teen stressors include: gun violence, school shootings, sexual harassment, climate change, treatment of immigrants, as well as social relationships.
What can you do? Teach kids that stress can be managed
Teaching students basic time management skills and how to prioritize tasks can help mitigate academic stress. Talking to students about current events and social relationships can provide a safe outlet for them to articulate and process fears (real & perceived) that lead to stress.
Four: HAPPINESS – understand that it matters
Research suggests a significant correlation between happiness and academic success.
At the end of the day, I think that what most parents really want is for their children to have positive life outcomes (educational, professional, & personal). Look for ways to help your student thrive, not just survive.
For more information on how to prevent student burnout and alleviate stress, feel free to reach out at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.
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