One-fifth of first years ‘suffer stress’

ONE-FIFTH of almost 1,000 first-year secondary students claim to suffer significant stress levels, according to a survey to be launched today.

And one in 20 of the 12 and 13-year-olds say they are suffering from extreme stress, adding that in many cases it is unmanageable. Some use alcohol and drugs in a bid to cope with their problems.

The Kerry Mental Health Association (KMHA), which conducted the survey in 13 secondary level schools in Kerry, yesterday expressed concern at the findings and called for increased awareness of the factors causing stress in young people's lives.

"Yes, we are concerned, particularly when so many of such an age say they're experiencing significant levels of stress," said KHMA development officer, Dan O'Connor. "What's also worrying is that a sizeable minority report extreme stress and a similar minority feel they cannot cope."

Stress levels were found to be higher among girls and were highest in mixed schools. Worry about exam results was the single biggest cause of stress, followed by worry about career choice, keeping up with school work, getting used to new things, worry about attractiveness and problems with teachers.

The study also set out to discover what coping techniques the students used and the relationship between stress levels and the type of coping technique.

Fifteen coping strategies were analysed, and those with low levels of stress generally used the positive/active method, which included thinking of ways to solve problems, looking on the bright side of things, looking for help from appropriate persons and staying calm.

Those with the passive/negative technique were pessimistic, indulged in self-blame, wishful thinking, or keeping problems to themselves. Of most concern, according to the survey, was the confused/destructive approach, which pointed to potentially self-destructive behaviour. It comprised three coping methods crying and screaming, blaming someone else, or the use of alcohol or drugs.

The KMHA said young people should be encouraged to develop problem-solving skills, ways of managing their emotions, exploring safe ways of 'blowing off steam,' looking at situations from different viewpoints and encouraging an optimistic, positive approach to problems.