Surveys have found that 13- to 17-year-olds are experiencing stress levels higher than they consider to be healthy. School is the top source of stress for teens, followed by the pressure of getting into a good college or deciding what to do after high school. That stress is leading to emotional and physical symptoms for many young people. The survey found that more than a quarter of teens report symptoms including neglecting responsibilities, feeling overwhelmed, having negative thoughts or changes in sleeping habits. More than a third reported feeling tired, feeling nervous or anxious, or experiencing irritability and anger. Unfortunately, nearly a third of teens said they weren't sure if they were doing enough to manage their stress.
There is lots of help out there. Here are some places to begin to look;
Your own GP is probably a good place to start. They may send you to the child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) where they help young people when their feelings get on top of them.
What's the deal with... is a website to help with the emotional health of young people living in Suffolk.