Teen stress–especially when on a traumatic level–can lead to serious issues like an anxiety disorder, depression, or even a higher chance of heart disease. In a new study, reported on by The Atlantic, researchers found that though some individuals are more prone to developing issues from high levels of adult and teen stress, through therapy they have a chance of overcoming it.
What was in the study?
The study looked at previous child soldiers in Nepal. All of these individuals experienced large amounts of youth and teen stress, but not all of them experienced PTSD symptoms. Researchers wanted to know why and if they could help those that do experience PTSD symptoms.
Researchers found that those with PTSD had a higher chance of having “a marker of chronic inflammation called CTRA gene expression.” CTRA means “conserved transcriptional response to adversity”; which basically means large amounts of stress/trauma can trigger genes which release pro-inflammatory proteins throughout the body, increasing the chance of cancer, heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
Then they measured the resilience of the soldiers. Those who had high levels of resilience had lower levels of CTRA expression, as low as young individuals who hadn’t dealt with the same child and teen stress or trauma. Those who had high resilience had an easier time processing and dealing with the trauma of war.
Helpings others deal with high levels of teen stress & trauma
After these findings, the researchers wanted to know whether they could teach resilience and if it would make a difference in CTRA expression. Resilience is teachable, so now the researchers are looking into whether the taught form of resilience can protect others against the harmful fallout of trauma and high levels of teen stress.
Trails Carolina can help!
Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for struggling youth, ages 10-17. Our students commonly deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, teen stress, and other behavioral challenges.
For more information about how Trails Carolina treats issues related to teen stress, please call 800-975-7303 today!
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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.
Margot Lowman August 2022
Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.
Winnifred Wilson July 2022
Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.
Kristin Brace June 2022
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