Teens and School Stress

Signs Stress Is Building

School stress can show up as irritability, trouble sleeping, stomachaches before school, avoiding homework or spending hours on assignments that should take less time. Some teens become very quiet, while others argue more. These changes do not always mean something serious is wrong, but they are worth noticing. A teen may not have the words for it yet, and therapy can help them find those words. Noticing patterns early can make it easier to respond before stress takes over.

Looking at the Thoughts Behind the Stress

Teens under pressure often have thoughts like if I do not get an A, I am a failure, or everyone else is handling this better. CBT helps teens notice these thoughts and examine them. What evidence supports them? Is there another way to see the situation? This work is collaborative and practical. It is not about lowering standards but about seeing pressure more clearly. Over time, teens often find they can catch these thoughts on their own.

Practical Changes That Help

Small changes often help more than big overhauls. Breaking assignments into steps, setting a homework start time, putting the phone in another room during study blocks and protecting a reasonable bedtime can all reduce stress. Marie works with teens to choose changes they actually want to try, test them during the week and adjust based on how it went. When a teen chooses the change, they are usually more likely to stick with it through a demanding week.

Involving Parents and Getting Support

For minors, parents or guardians are typically involved in arranging care, and consent specifics are discussed at the consultation. Parents can help by noticing effort and not just results, and by keeping communication open. If a teen expresses hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 or contact emergency services right away. School counselors can also be a helpful resource. Working together can help a teen feel supported rather than pressured.

Reach Out

Marie offers a free 15-minute consultation to talk through what is happening and whether her practical, collaborative CBT approach seems like a fit. Sessions are 50 minutes, and individual sessions are $200. Online therapy is available anywhere in Oregon, and you can ask about current Portland office availability if meeting in person matters to you. Bringing one or two concrete examples to the call is usually more useful than a full history.

Questions You May Have