If you're under a lot of pressure and worried about something, you could be stressed. Lots of things can cause this - schools and exams, being bullied, family problems or when someone close to you is ill or dies.
Stress can show itself by:- a headache, upset stomach or skin rash
- feeling anxious and irritable
- not being able to sleep
- wanting to cry a lot
- eating more or less than usual
- feeling you’re useless or have no control
Things you can do to de-stress
If someone is pressuring you (like your parents wanting you to do well in exams), then talk to them about how you’re feeling. They might not realise they’re 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. Put on a favourite piece of music, play a game or read.
Eat healthily and try to get enough sleep – and don't smoke or drink alcohol to cope with stress, as this won’t help you deal with the real issues.
Get some help
If you're really anxious, it can be hard to cope.
If things get so bad that you’re thinking about running away, taking an overdose, self-harming, or you feel that life isn’t worth living, talk to your doctor or school nurse, who can put you in contact with a counsellor.