When I think back to high school, I remember always feeling anxious. I was anxious about my grades, what others thought of me, and what to wear to school (only now am I wishing I had a uniform). I put extreme pressure on myself to do well on assignments and exams, which caused unnecessary stress. I also felt stress about drama with friends and classmates.
School is a major stressor for 45 percent of teens. To deal with stress, many students turn to coffee, social media, or other substance use. Although these responses are often normalized, there are healthier ways students can cope with stress. I still use these strategies in my post-grad life.
1. Talk to someone you trust
While it’s easy to bottle up emotions and push issues aside, they will usually come up again. Fear of being judged may prevent you from asking for help. However, confiding in someone you trust—whether that’s a friend, sibling, parent, teacher, or counselor—can help clear your mind. Sometimes, I just need someone to listen while I let out everything that is overwhelming me. If you prefer writing, keep a journal as a private way to express your thoughts.