The pressure placed on students starts as early as seventh grade. In a society that determines your future before you have a chance to, it is emphasized that being the best is our best option. With this burden comes stress and can even result in mental disorders.

In order to cope with such situations, some students attempt to do things that will take their mind off of the responsibilities thrown in their face time and time again.. Angel Davis ‘19 stated, “whenever I feel like things are becoming too much to handle, I just zone out and listen to music. Like Angel, many teens resort to seclusive activities when attempting to recover from stress. This is not what is recommended by most professionals. It is suggested by most scientists and psychologists that being alone during stressful times is not always the best solution. Being around people whom you trust and depend on can help in aiding individuals back to a healthy state of mind. Jada Middleton ‘21 stated, “I like to hang with my friends when I’m not feeling my best. They help to motivate me and make me feel better.”

Along with being around friends, some suggestions for dealing with stress include increasing one’s endorphin production, which is done through physical activity, Making a list of goals, keeping record of your successes, and meditation are also individual forms of relief that could benefit those who are feeling the excessive weight of the world on their shoulders. It is important not to spend too much time on these types of activities and engage in the world around you. Denean Mayes ‘20 said, “I love going outside and breathing fresh air. It is so relaxing and just makes me feel good.”

Stress is something that teens everywhere face and will continue to face into adulthood. The way we approach stress is what is impacts the way we address our issues and can contribute to effective recovery or enable the issue allowing it to stick around.