Model healthy coping - Although it was true before, it is doubly true now: Children learn from what you do, not what you say. If you want your child to learn to cope with stress, you need to engage in healthy coping behaviors yourself. That may mean practicing yoga or meditation, reading a good book, or talking with friends.

It also may mean forgoing the evening glass or two of alcohol to unwind, or other short-term fixes that end up increasing stress in the long run.

It also may mean forgoing the evening glass or two of alcohol to unwind, or other short-term fixes that end up increasing stress in the end. I recommend two very healthy strategies that can really help pull you and you are adolescent through honesty when it comes to talking about your feelings, and humor.

Stress is something that is a part of all of our lives. It is impossible to totally avoid stress. In fact, mild to moderate amounts of stress can be good for you. Too much stress, however, can result in various problems. Specific reactions to stress vary from person to person. Excessive stress can have a negative effect on people's health, making them more susceptible to illness. Too much stress can also have a negative effect on relationships with family and friends. Regardless of how stress affects an individual, all people experiencing excessive stress need to identify what stressors are impacting them, and how to prevent and manage stress.

Signs that you may be experiencing too much stress

There are many clues that your body gives that indicate you are under too much stress. Such clues may include a tight throat, sweaty palms, headache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, uneasiness, indigestion, depression, restlessness, frustration, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. People who learn how to recognize these stress signs have taken the first step to combating stress. If high levels of stress continue, it can lead to numerous problems including increased risk of illness, increased risk of accidents, decreased satisfaction with life, and increased risk of alcohol and/or drug abuse.

   Increased risk of illness - There are a number of illnesses that are directly related to too much stress in one's life. Such illnesses include high blood pressure, coronary disease, and ulcers. Too much stress can also affect a person's immune system, making it more difficult to combat illnesses when they occur. Such people may get ill more easily and take longer to recover than a person who is not under stress.

   Increased risk of accidents - There is a great deal of research indicating that when people are under a lot of stress they tend to have more accidents. People who are stressed are probably less likely to follow safety precautions and may have slower reaction times because they are preoccupied.

   Decreased satisfaction - People who are under too much stress generally aren't able to enjoy themselves. Relationships with family and friends may suffer as a result, leaving the stressed-out person with little or no support.

   Increased risk of alcohol and/or drug abuse - People who are under too much stress and who have not developed effective coping skills run the risk of abusing drugs and/or alcohol. People who don't know how to cope with their stress in constructive ways may turn to artificial means such as alcohol, drugs, or food to relieve their stress. When this happens, the stress is compounded.

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