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Stress

When you're under a lot of pressure and worried a lot about something, that could mean that you're 'stressed out'. Lots of things can cause this - school and exam pressure, being bullied, family problems or when someone you love is ill or dies.

Coping with stress

People cope with stress in different ways. You might feel everything's getting on top of you, and it can really help to talk to someone about things on your mind. Take some time out to de-stress - have a break or do something you enjoy.

Stress can manifest itself in several ways:

• Headache, upset stomach or skin rash.
• Feeling anxious and irritable.
• Being unable to sleep at night.
• Wanting to cry a lot.
• Eating more or less than usual.
• Feeling you are useless or have no control.

Things you can do to alleviate stress:

• If someone is putting pressure on you (such as your parents wanting you to do well in exams), then talk to them and tell them about how this is making you feel. They might not realise that they are causing you stress.
• Make time to de-stress and take your mind away from things bothering you, even if it's only for a couple of minutes.
• Eat a healthy diet and try to get enough sleep.
• Don't smoke or drink alcohol to cope with stress - they don't help you deal with the real issues causing your stress.

Get some help

If you're really anxious, it can make it hard to cope. If things are getting out of control and you're thinking about doing things like skipping school, running away, taking an overdose, self-harming, or feeling that life is not worth living, then see your GP or school nurse, who can put you in contact with a counsellor.