What's stressing you?
Friday 13 October 2006
Being a teenager can sometimes feel like one of the hardest things in the world.
You might feel old enough to do what you want, but your parents don't agree, or you feel under pressure to do well at school or in the future.
We take a look at some of the common things that can get you down and ways in which you can deal with them.
Too much going on
It can sometimes feel as if you barely have time to catch your breath. Not only do you have school or college to deal with, you also get the chance to do loads of stuff that you were never allowed to before.
Coming of age
By 16, you can leave school, get a job, have sex and, if bad breath's your bag, buy cigarettes.
By 17, you can start learning to drive and by the time you're 18, you're pretty much allowed to do what you want without your parents' say-so and within the law.
You can get your own passport, get married, vote, get a credit card, join the armed forces and drink alcohol in a bar.
Time to adjust
Once granted this freedom, it might be tempting to go all out and do as much as you can. Having more responsibility for yourself might feel tiring or bewildering, but there's no rule saying that you have to be super-independent as soon as the law allows.
Give yourself a little time to adjust to coming of age.
Pressure at school
New term is well underway and if you're working towards some important exams this year, it might feel as if everything's getting on top of you.
Exams are important, so you need to try your best, but stressing out unnecessarily will only affect your work.
Making the grade
Although it would be nice, not everybody can get all As in their exam results and know exactly what they want to do in life. Just do the best you can do.
If you're still unsure about what kind of job you want to do, have a think about your strengths and the things you like. Is there an ideal job to match up with these qualities?
Love trouble
If you've started out on your first relationship, it can be hard dealing with all the feelings that surround going out with somebody.
You might be worried about kissing or how far to when it comes to sex. The important thing is not to do anything you don't feel comfortable with until you're good and ready.
Sex talk
Anyone who really cared about you wouldn't put you under pressure. If they do, then it might be time to look elsewhere for love.
When chatting to your mates, remember that not everybody tells the truth when it comes to sex; chances are that they're just as confused as you are.
Sex website NHS Choices can give you tips.
Future freak-out
Nobody can predict the future, so while it might be a good idea to start thinking about what you want to do once school and college are over, worrying about it won't do any good at all.
Open up
Don't stress about it by yourself, open up to someone you trust and talk about what's worrying you. Friends may brag that they know exactly where they're going and what they want to do, but they might not be being honest.
Get more help
If you feel that you can't talk to anybody around you, Connexions might be able to help you see things a little more clearly. Give them a call on 080 800 13 2 19
