To control symptoms, learn relaxation and mental imagery techniques, then adapt them to improve memory, sleep - and performance in presentations and exams. Hard exercise relaxes and makes you feel stronger and more confident, but too much caffeine, alcohol and other drugs will do the opposite. Learn from mistakes or bad situations and realize they won't last forever. Don't forget to use laughter to reduce tension and put things in perspective. Volunteer work doesn't just look good on a resume - it reduces stress and makes you feel better about yourself.
Many schools now provide information and courses on stress.
Prolonged stress can lead to depression and even thoughts of suicide, so if you feel totally overloaded, or life seems hopeless, seriously consider professional counselling, it's not a sign of weakness. Parents often feel stressed and frustrated too, but they must realize that the brains of teens are physically different from adults, they don't see things in the same way, and they react differently. Parents can help enormously by setting a good example, being patient, spending time with teens and really listening to them , accepting and loving them unconditionally, setting limits according to maturity - but allowing them to learn from mistakes. They can help teens recognise their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build on their talents so that they leave high school ready to take on the new challenges of adult life. Dr. Rainham is the author of the book 'Stressed Out' - Taking Control of Student Stress', an interactive Teacher's Guide, and other student stress and coping materials.