By: Madelyn Moore
With the world constantly moving at a kinetic pace, people are beginning to face a new problem: dependence on stress. Whether it is due to a desire to outdo others or an attempt to avoid reality, stress has become an addiction for an abundance of teenagers and adults.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 60% of young people have been stressed to an extent of inability to cope.
“Today's society seems to always have people on the go,” school counselor Jennifer Martin said. “Several people have a belief that they always have to be doing something. Our ‘microwave’ society makes people want everything now, and patience is not present in a lot of situations anymore.”
Martin explained competition is a major factor in the addiction to stress. Most people believe they must compete with their neighbor, classmates or friends. She commonly sees this issue among students.
“The students try to outdo each other for class rank position or extra-curricular involvement,” Martin said. “Yes, colleges want to see that a student has taken a rigorous schedule, but not if it becomes a detriment to the student's health or personal life.”
She added that stress releases natural chemicals into the brain and some people start to crave the chemicals, similar to the way they would crave nicotine.
“Staying busy helps take the focus off of what really needs attention,” Martin said.
While she encourages students to challenge themselves, it’s important to not overdo it. Students (and adults) should create time to relax. This could include going for a walk, enjoying a sunset, listening to music or putting your phone down.
Gwinn Miller, the health teacher at SHS, illustrated a health-perspective regarding addiction to stress.
“I think students enjoy being on the go and busy because they don't know how to be bored,” Miller said. “The stress of being busy and dealing with various activities is better than sitting home alone with nothing to do.”
She explained that when stress becomes negative, it can cause health issues such as headaches. She suggested that to prevent this, students should use time management skills.
“Block off time to be busy and time to be bored,” Miller said. “We all need some ‘me time.’ It is okay to not have something to do.”
Senior Carolyn Casey explained that she has found herself addicted to stress and constantly staying busy.
“If I am not busy or actively doing something productive or something that will benefit me, I feel like I am rotting away my life,” Casey said.
She tries to establish a routine and keep it consistent, but sometimes she recognizes she needs a break. If Casey feels the need to deviate, she separates herself from what she wants to do versus what she needs to do for herself.
“Don’t overbook yourself, make sure you have enough time in the day to take care of yourself,” Casey said. “Practice a little selfcare.”