New Programs For Stressed Teens

Cyber-bullying. Social media. Technology addiction. Fear of gun violence. Racism. Oh, and don’t forget things like sports, academics and just fitting in. It’s clear that teens today have more things than ever to stress over.
 
“Teens suffer more now than in previous decades. There’s significant anxiety,” says Wendy Weckstein. A Traverse City-based physical therapist and certified wellness consultant, Weckstein is now offering a series of "Healthy Living and Mindfulness" classes for teens and their parents through her office at Northern Michigan Psychiatric Services.
 
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 33 percent of adolescents report feeling significant anxiety, feeling sad or depressed because of stress. The American College Health Association says 62 percent of college students feel an overwhelming anxiety, up from 50 percent in 2011.
 
Weckstein says technology is one of the major culprits, citing a “Stress in America” study done yearly by the American Psychology Association. “This is the first year in all the years of the survey (it includes) issues related to technology and social media,” says Weckstein. The results show a significant role played by technology and social media in relation to both physical and mental health challenges.
 
The immediate access to and constant checking of social media accounts have become chronic. “There are so many things to check: Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat. When that ‘ding’ happens, it produces a chemical response like drugs or alcohol,” says Weckstein. “The ones who can put the technology down … have less stress than those who constantly have to check. That produces a higher level of stress.”
 
She says social media also produces a peer pressure for teens to present an unrealistic view of their lives. “There’s a pressure to present their life as perfect – they’re happy, have good hair, etc.” She says that is based on others presenting a similar account of themselves. “They have unrealistic views of others’ lives.”
 
That’s on top of the things teens have been dealing with forever: school, homework, family life, relationships, sports and other extra-curricular activities. Then there are also the issues of the day, such as violence in schools, racism and politics. “There’s a whole new level of negative discourse in media. It’s very scary and in-your-face. It’s hard for teens to take it all in. There’s so much we didn’t have to deal with.”
 
Thus the classes, which Weckstein says are among the few things being offered locally for teens to help them deal with the stress they face. Each focuses on one or two aspects of healthy living. The Healthy Living and Mindfulness Classes for Teens begin Sept. 29 with Mindful Movement and Meditation for Teens, with future classes set to cover Stressed Teens, a.k.a. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction for Teens; Strength Training and Conditioning; and Stressed Teens – Parent Education Series, a class designed to educate parents about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for pre-teens, teens and young adults.
 
All the classes take place at Northern Michigan Psychiatric Services, 3287 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City.
 
Weckstein also offers several tips to those who want to try things on their own. “Regular exercise is crucial. It releases endorphins. It’s meditation in motion, it decreases stress and provides clarity of thought.,” says Weckstein.
 
“Number two is eating healthy. Three is thoughtful use of technology. Set limits – be present instead of being online.” Weckstein says the key for teens is realizing they don’t haveto be constantly checking in. “They have control – they just have to take control.”
 
And the fourth thing is also related to technology – getting enough quality sleep, eight to ten hours. “Technology heightens the nervous system. Turn off the technology two hours before bed,” says Weckstein. She recommends getting into a healthy nightly routine, with calming activities before bed, such as journaling, meditation, showering, reading. “Those are all good for adults too, but with teens it’s especially true.
 
“The simplest answer to help teens reduce stress and achieve peace and happiness is in front of them. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow hasn’t happened yet, so let’s stop, pause and breathe,” says Weckstein.