YAB teens are talking about stress and anxiety.

Teens are heading off to school and that can carry some stress and anxiety.  Teens today are dealing more pressure than ever before and many hold onto the stress and internalize the pressures.  YAB teens want to encourage their peers to open up, find support and deal with their stress.  Everyone is feeling it and you are not alone. 

Q.  How many teens do you think deal with a high level of stress or anxiety?

Teens Answer:

• At least half!
• I think that most to ALL teenagers deal with high stress and anxiety
• All teens deal with stress and anxiety at some point.
• I think every single teen deals with a high level of stress and anxiety during high school.

Q.  How do you think most teens cope with their stress?

Teens Answer:

• Some in healthy ways like exercise or music, but many may try to handle it through drinking or smoking in order to “forget” their stressors.
• Some talk about it, but not in healthy ways.  Put things off and procrastinate.  Some will turn to dangerous things thinking it will “relieve” their stress.
• I think a lot of teens try to cope with their stress in an unhealthy way.  It’s a hard thing to deal with and leads to bad decisions like drinking, smoking and breaking down.
• Some teens cope with stress by doing activities the enjoy, but for the most part, teens just aren’t sure how to cope.
• I think most teens hold a lot of their feelings and emotions in until can’t anymore and eventually have an emotional breakdown.  I think some teens also take it out on other people without realizing it.
• There are good healthy ways to deal with stress such as exercise.  And, there are unhealthy ways to cope and most often teens who choose to deal with their stress in an unhealthy manner will resort to drugs and alcohol.

Q.  How do you deal with stress?  Is there someone you can talk to?

Teens Answer:

• To cope with stress, I read, do yoga and play basketball.  I also am able to talk to my Mom and my friends.
• I try to slow down and think of everything I need to do or how I can relieve the stress.  I run and play sports.  I can also talk to my parents and friends.
• I cope with stress with running or playing music.  Running vies me time to blow off steam and music enables me to relax.  I have a few close friends I talk to and my parents and sister as well.
• I take a break from whatever I am doing and watch an episode of TV to take my mind off of things.  I can talk to my friends and family when I am stressed about something.
• I talk to my friends and family.  It’s nice to hear that sometimes they have or are going through the same things!
• I listen to music.  I try to finish or deal with whatever is stressing me out.  I can talk to my family a little but they just don’t understand, and my friends are going through stresses too and I don’t want to stress them out more.
• I try to exercise because I’ve heard that it is supposed to help.  Also, I like to write things down, such as why I am stressed ,and try to collect my thoughts and feelings in order to cope with it.  I prefer to reassure myself when I am stressed because I stress out myself…. Others really don’t stress me out.
• When I am stressed, I talk to my parents because they can always calm me down and help me deal with whatever is stressing me out.  If I am feeling really stressed and overwhelmed, sometimes I have a breakdown.  I find that once in a while it helps to just cry and let it all out.

Q.  What do you think can happen if a teen doesn’t have an outlet, someone to talk to or a way to cope with their stress?

Teens Answer:

• They might bottle it up inside and the stress will build and get to them.  They may turn to drugs or alcohol.
• If a teen doesn’t have an outlet, they will probably start looking for one and may turn to drugs or alcohol.  They could also become depressed.
• I think THIS is when teens make unhealthy choices and resort to dangerous behaviors, and use drugs or alcohol.
• I think it can cause anger or depression if you don’t have an outlet.  Their grades and friendships might begin to fall apart, creating even more stress and anxiety.

Q.  What would you tell a friend or someone you know who is having a hard time coping with their stress?

 Answer:

• I would tell them to talk with someone and try to help them brainstorm different things they could do to relieve their stress.
• I would empathize with them and let them know that there is nothing wrong with being stressed.  I would tell them that I am available to help as an outlet and try to offer some healthy ways to cope with their stress.
• I would recommend talking to someone.  Holding onto everything inside does not help at all and it feels really good to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
• I would encourage them to find something they enjoy doing, to take a break and to talk with someone who can help them deal with it.
• I would tell them to talk to someone about it, write down what is making them stressed and see if it can be solved.  I would encourage them to seek professional help if it’s very bad.

Q.  How do you think Parents can help their teen deal with stress or anxiety?

 Answer:

• Give them some space…. and let their children know that they are there for them.  If they sense there is some stress, maybe take them out for a distraction with something fun, like a movie.
• They can help by discussing the problem their teen may be facing. They can help by not adding to their stress, since Parents can be a major factor towards a teens’ stress.
• Parents should try to understand their situation and what they go through every day and how they are feeling.
• Parents should not always pressure their teens to get stuff done so much and realize that they are still kids and need a break sometimes.
• Parents can just be there for their kids.  They shouldn’t pressure their kids to talk about anything, but they should be there if their kids’ need to and when they want to talk.
• They need to reduce the pressure and stress that they put on their teens.  We are very aware of the stressors in our lives.  Parents should just act as a source of comfort and outlet for their teens.
• I think Parents can take the time to listen to their teen and try to be more understanding during stressful times.

#reachout#what’syourinfluence?#Ichoosetobeme#livedrugfree

YAB Teens Are Talking About Summer Plans, the Party Scene and How Parents Can Help Teens....

YAB Teens had a busy school year and are looking forward to the summer break.  Here, they are talking about taking a break, plans and the party scene.

Q.  What are your summer plans?  And, what are you looking forward to over the summer break?

Teens Answer:

• I’ll be busy working and preparing for college.  And, I’m looking forward to not having school!
• I plan on hanging out with my friends and going on college tours.  I’m looking forward to having time to relax.
• I’m doing a leadership program in Chicago, working, sleeping in… and college applications.  I’m looking forward to literally just having a break.  School is tiring.  Also, I can’t wait for our summer events;  Battle of the Bands, Movie Nights and Day on the Town!

Q.  In your opinion, what is the summer social/party scene really like for teens?  Can you go places where there isn’t the influence of alcohol or drugs?

Teens Answer:

• It is possible to avoid.  There are many places without those influences.
• I’m not super involved in the summer party scene, so it’s very possible.  You can go to the movies, pools, or just hang out with friends who don’t drink or do drugs.
• Many people do bonfires, go up north, or go boating.  It is possible to have sober hang outs and common for that matter.  But people do still drink more over the summer and teens need to be careful of finding themselves in those situations. It can take just the use of one time to get into serious trouble OR to become addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Q.  What should teens do if they find themselves in a situation where others are drinking or doing drugs?

Teens Answer:

• They should think about the many consequences of drug use and decide whether or not they are willing to accept those consequences.  It should be a personal decision.
• If teens find themselves in a situation where others are drinking or doing drugs, they should leave so they don’t have to involved.
• Just leave or get picked up.  That is what I do every time.  DON’T be embarrassed!

Q.  How do you think Parents can help their teen if something like this comes up?

Teens Answer:

• Parents can help by providing their teens with different opportunities and by encouraging them to pursue a project or job over the summer.
• Parents can help their teens by giving them a ride home or teaching them how to say “No” to others in a situation.
• Parents should show unconditional support and always let your child know you will be calm and helpful in a bad situation. 

 Final thoughts from a YAB graduating senior:  

Q.  What is your main take away from your high school experience?  And, what will you take with you as a motto or value as your transition to college?

 Answer:

• My main takeaway from high school is that the years pass very quickly and one should appreciate and take advantage of all the learning opportunities in their youth.  My goal for college is to try new things and to challenge myself.

 
                             #summer#timetotakeabreak#what'syourinfluence#livedrugfree

Teens talk about Addiction, Harm and What Parents and Teens NEED to KNOW….

Q.  What do you think are the physical harmful effects from alcohol? Marijuana? Rx drugs?  Other drug use?

Teens Answer:

• Alcohol, marijuana and RX drugs all affect the brain in negative ways if used frequently and incorrectly, there are negative long and short term effects of both. 
• Vomiting, memory loss, damage to the brain cells and impaired vision.
• I think the physical effects include brain cells dying and a lack of proper functioning in different organs and brain structures.
• For all of them it slows down the brain functions and can affect your overall wellness and performance in school and sports.      
• Damage to your memory, your heart, your liver.  They can also cause behaviors that can put your entire life at risk.
• There are many harmful effects from drug and alcohol use.  The decisions you make as a teen today can and will affect who you are in the future.

Q.  What do you think addiction means? 

Teens Answer:

• Addiction is a brain disease that is the result of persistent use that alters the brain chemistry and reward system.
• I think addiction means when you have a constant wanting or necessity for something.
• Addiction means not being able to get through a certain amount time without using a substance.
• Addiction means that your body starts to think that it needs the substance and you start to NOT function -- you are consumed by your addiction.
• An addiction is when you don’t know your stopping point.  You don’t know when your body has had enough.
• Addiction means that you no longer have control over you own body.

Q.  What does it take to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs?

Teens Answer:

• There are many factors that determine one’s susceptibility to addiction.  The two main factors are genetic disposition as well as social environment.
• It can take just the use of one time to become addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• Recklessly overusing the substance.
• Repeated us over a period of time.
• It only takes one time – one sip of alcohol, or one time smoking marijuana to become addicted.
• There are genetic factors, but there are more influential environmental factors as well:  your family, your community, your friend group.

Q.  Do you think teens today think there is harm from alcohol or other drugs?  Why or why not? 

Teens Answer:

• I think they know there is harm but it does not persuade them from participating in risky behavior.
• Yes, but they don’t think it’s harmful enough to make them stop using these substances.
• No, teens are ignorant to the facts.  They see a lot of people who do it and turn out fine, so they think it can’t hurt them.
• No, they do NOT think of the repercussions and teens do not think that drinking will have a negative effect.
• Many teens are aware of the harmful consequences of drugs and alcohol, but they have that “invincible” mindset that nothing bad can happen to them.
• I think teens have a mindset that nothing bad could ever happen to them when in reality it can and will.
• I think they think there is harm, but the instant “pleasure” in doing drugs or using alcohol trumps the long-term harm.

Q.  What do Parents NEED to KNOW about teen substance use today?

Teens Answer:

• They need to know that habits formed at a young age can be difficult to break.  Teen substance use can be a phase or turn into long term use with future problems.
• That teens ARE doing these illegal activities more than they think and they are doing them at younger and younger ages.
• It happens more than they think and they need to talk to and educate their children.
• That it’s happening in their neighborhoods and it’s THEIR job to get involved, step in and do something about it.
• How to properly educate themselves and their children on the effects of substance use and abuse.   They need to know how to talk to their kids about it.

Q.  Do you think Adults, Schools, Parents and the Community do what’s needed to cover harm and addiction?  What more can be done?

Teens Answer:

• A lot more can be done with much more involvement from people in the community.
• No, I believe the topic is ignored and teens do not truly know the dangers of these substances.  People/adults need to focus more on talking about the issue.
• A lot is being done, but prevention is important and can always be improved.
• Yes, but they could try to increase awareness of the harmful effects.
• I think the YAB does a tremendous job, but we just need to keep working to spread the message further.
• I think much more could be done to educate youth on the subject of substance abuse.  It’s NOT a topic that should be avoided.
• There MUST be an emphasis on long-term harm consequences.

  

What's Your Influence?

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