1. Stressed Out Teens
Ann Dolin, M.Ed.
ann@ectutoring.com
www.ectutoring.com
703.934.8282

2. Stress vs. Anxiety
 Stress – How mind and body react to change
 Anxiety – Apprehension, fearfulness; most
common MH disorder
 Affects 18% of the population

3. Schoolwork Plays a Big Role in Stress
 4,300 surveyed
 Receive on average 3 hours
of homework a night
 56% said homework was the
greatest stressor
 Symptoms include stomach
aches, headaches, lack of
sleep, etc.

4. For Some, Stress Can Lead to Anxiety

5. Symptoms of Anxiety
 Distraction
 Repetitive questions –
“What if?”
 Catastrophic thinking
 Perfectionism
 Avoidance
 Excessive people pleasing

6. Treatment for Anxiety Disorder
 Cognitive behavior therapy
 Sometimes medication

7. Other Ideas
 Don’t dismiss it
 Never say “Don’t worry about it”
 Worry every day, pick a time
 Get the worries out
 Dump or shred it
 Silly putty, Tangle Jr.
 Talk about the good stuff, too
 Relaxation technique (TM and yoga)

8. Homework
 When and where?
 Manage time
 Use a timer
 Start assignment the day it is
assigned
 Review notes within 24 hours

9. Managing Distractions
 Distractions are different for
each student
 Music: okay for rote
memorization, not for tests
 TV: controllable
 Texting: phone in another
room
 Computer: reduce windows
open

10. Studying
 Distributed practice
 Practice tests
 Review before bed
 Role of smell

11. Test Taking
 Jot down your worries
 Brain dump

12. Healthy Habits
 Exercise
 Sleep
 Consolidate memories
 How much do teens need?
 How much do they get?

13. Worry Happens
 Kids can work through it
 Strategies are life-long
 Build strong habits early
 Problems in middle school are usually the tip
of the iceberg

14. Thank you for attending!
 For more information about
tutoring, test prep, and coaching:
 Educational Connections
 703.934.8282
 www.ectutoring.com
 Ann’s contact information:
 Ann@ectutoring.com
 www.anndolin.com