GIRL TALK: Stressed To Impress

These two S.O.S. messages inspired us to make STRESS (ick!) the topic of the day...

I'm waaaaay stressed out. I’m in 8th grade, I have a 3.9 GPA in honors classes and 10th grade math, as well as taking an extra class before school at the high school (my school starts late). I play three sports, I do drama and choir, and I’m in my school’s astronomy club. I’m trying to earn money to get a laptop, and I’m participating in an online writing contest. I’m also trying to workout a lot outside of sports and PE to lose weight (I’m NOT anorexic, just determined.) It’s all just too much.

I feel like I’m on the verge of losing it. I used to NEVER cry, but now all the time I feel like breaking down over the stupidest things. I’m in a big group of friends, and I can’t confide in one without confiding in all, and I don’t want to do that. I’m not close enough to my parents to confide in them, and I don’t have a boyfriend to help me through this like I did the last time I felt this way.

I’ve been getting stress stomach aches, and Tums can only do so much (plus they make me gag). I’ve carried around the urge to beat someone (anyone) up for the last month or so. I know I’m going to end up losing it eventually, probably at the most inopportune moment. Please, I know this is long and rambling, but I need advice on how to unwind. I used to run or write whenever I was sad or angry, but I don’t even have time for that anymore! Someone help me!

--Kenzie'

um, guys, I need your help. My report cards are coming out soon, and I think i did REALLY bad. It’s even worse because my Dad’s always expecting me to get all A’s. The same advice all the time is to talk to my Dad, but it doesn't work with my Dad! He won’t ever listen to me and I get all these punishments. I feel sick and I don’t know what to do, I’m talking to people but all they say is “wow, imagine what’s gonna happen to you” ... not helping ...

--chocolatte62'

Stress is the worst. And more girls are learning that first hand. From plays to soccer practice to PSATs (and about 4,827 other activities), the average tween's "To Do" list could rival a corporate exec's. (Think Donald Trump.) Oh, and parents' expectations aren't getting any lower.

Yeah, yeah. So you're busy and bummed about it. What's the big deal? Well, according to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this schedule-obsessed lifestyle could actually make you sick.

So if you feel like you need a PDA just to keep track of your personal schedule, take a deep breath. Then check out these resources for super-stressed girls.

Are you a stress case?
Take our quiz and find out!

Feeling barfy?
Learn all about tween/teen anxiety!

Need to vent?
We love these cute (and cathartic) journal ideas!

Want advice?
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Ready to take action?
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{Be sure to share your own stress-busting tips below!}

IMPORTANT: If you are experiencing a serious problem (like severe depression, physical or sexual abuse, alcohol/drug addiction or any other urgent issues), please don't wait! Check out GL's HELP PAGE now.