HOPEfull Conversations with Kari Eckert

Episode 9: Pressure!

Episode Summary

A certain level of stress is normal. And positive stress responses from events such as changing schools and meeting new friends can actually help students learn and grow. But when exposed to repeated stressful events without the tools to manage feelings, stress can become emotionally and physically toxic. Unlike adults, who can communicate about how stress impacts their lives, children and teens may not recognize or even have the words to describe how they're feeling.

Episode Notes

A certain level of stress is normal. And positive stress responses from events such as changing schools and meeting new friends can actually help students learn and grow. But when exposed to repeated stressful events without the tools to manage feelings, stress can become emotionally and physically toxic.  Unlike adults, who can communicate about how stress impacts their lives, children and teens may not recognize or even have the words to describe how they're feeling.  Some common causes and watch outs for High School and College teens include:

• Romantic relationships - Pressure to be in a romantic relationship picks up in high school and cause stress for students, especially for those questioning their sexuality.
• Social Acceptance - High school teens, especially those who don't have an established peer group, worry about making friends and avoiding bullying. 
• Earning good grades - Keeping grades up to get into college becomes increasingly difficult as classes become more challenging.
• Preparing for college - It takes considerable time and effort to decide which colleges to apply to, complete applications, visit schools, go on interviews, etc. 
• Parental pressure - Parents often put pressure on their high schoolers to excel and get into a good college at the same time teens are trying to establish independence.
• Fear of missing out - Because learning to balance social activities and academic responsibilities takes time, mistakes are often made along the way.
• Lack of sleep - It's easy to skimp on sleep when there is so much competing for your time. 
• Missing family and friends - For college students living on campus, homesickness and loneliness are common.
• Financial worries - Whether working part-time, full-time, or living on financial aid, learning to manage money is an issue in college.

Joining me today is Solidea Ficco, a senior at Golden High School. She is involved in a few clubs at school such as Sources of Strength and Student Council. She enjoys hanging out with friends & family and spends her free time writing and reading.

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