Stress is a part of every living being’s life. But is stress always bad for us? Not necessarily. Sometimes, stress can actually be good—it can motivate us to get things done. When kept within limits, it can increase performance, boost confidence, and drive motivation.
In corporate environments, organizations often provide training sessions to help employees manage stress and learn how to balance stress and work efficiently in high-pressure situations.
Unfortunately, in 2025, we’re seeing a concerning rise in stress levels and suicide rates among youth, particularly in the 18–30 age group. This alarming trend is especially prevalent among teenagers and young adults across the world.
A recent survey involving 8,542 students across 30 universities revealed that 12% had experienced suicidal thoughts. The key reasons highlighted were academic pressure, mental health struggles, and overwhelming expectations.
Causes of Stress in Teens and Young Adults
There are many factors contributing to stress in youth, such as:
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits
- Academic pressure
- Competitive exams
- Fear of failure or not meeting goals
- Bullying or teasing
- Bodily changes during adolescence
- Peer comparison in school and college
- Screen addiction leading to sleep disruption and anxiety
- Chronic illness and family problems
- Death of loved ones
- High family expectations
- Campus selection and rankings
- Fear of unemployment
- Job market competition
- Relationship issues
- Work pressure and upcoming deadlines
- Loans and financial responsibilities
- Family responsibilities
- Difficulty falling asleep
Types of Stress
Stress is categorized into two types:
Positive Stress (Eustress):
- Improves performance
- Motivates and energizes
Negative Stress (Distress):
- Causes anxiety and poor performance
- Leads to mental and physical illness
- Can result in aggression, substance use (alcohol, smoking, drugs), etc.
Causes of Distress:
When a person’s mind and body are not prepared for difficult situations, they experience symptoms like:
- Faster heartbeat
- Increased breathing rate
- Increased blood flow to arms and legs
- Cold or clammy hands and feet
- Upset stomach
- A sense of dread
Symptoms of Stress:
Physical: Headaches, fatigue, muscle tension
Emotional: Anxiety, irritability, depression
Behavioral: Overeating, substance use, social withdrawal
Stress Management Techniques
Stressful situations like exams or interviews often cause us to make mistakes. A useful approach is to practice Pre-Mortem Analysis—anticipate what could go wrong and prepare in advance. For instance:
- Collect and organize important documents for exams or interviews in one bag the night before.
- Pack all necessary items a day before going on a trip to avoid last-minute panic.
Healthy Coping Strategies:
- Practice relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation)
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Keep a positive attitude
- Be assertive instead of aggressive
- Learn time management
- Set limits and say no when necessary
- Spend quality time with loved ones
Physical Strategies:
- Exercise regularly to improve sleep and manage stress
- Follow a regular sleep schedule (7–9 hours)
- Eat a balanced diet
- Incorporate meditation and spiritual practices
- Practice deep breathing at intervals during the day
Mental & Emotional Strategies:
- Manage time effectively—prioritize tasks
- Use positive thinking and self-talk
- Journal your thoughts and feelings
Lifestyle Strategies:
Spirituality can also be a powerful tool to reduce stress. A balanced life includes time for work, relationships, relaxation, and the resilience to face life’s challenges. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to experiment and find what works best for you.
Everyone seeks peace, but sometimes in the quest for it, people fall into bad habits like smoking and drinking. True peace, however, comes from within.
A Spiritual Approach to Stress Relief
The ultimate goal of human life is to live a balanced life and attain complete salvation from this worldly cage. A balanced life includes time for work, relationships, relaxation, and the strength to endure pressure and face challenges head-on. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing stress. It’s essential to explore and identify what strategies work best for you. Whether your goal is to lower your overall stress levels, avoid unnecessary stressors, or handle stress in the moment, the following stress management techniques and strategies can be helpful.
Everyone desires peace. In pursuit of it, people often search here and there but rarely find lasting peace. Sometimes they find temporary relief and end up adopting harmful habits like alcohol consumption or smoking.
A spiritual approach can offer lasting relief from stress. We are all caught in the trap of negative forces (referred to as Satan or Kaal), which prevent us from living a truly peaceful and free life. But there is a solution. By chanting a true mantra according to our holy scriptures, one can be assured of a stress-free life.
Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj is the only enlightened saint who is imparting true spiritual knowledge in accordance with our sacred texts. His teachings guide seekers toward complete salvation. Only the Supreme Almighty can grant true and lasting happiness. If a difficult situation arises, having unwavering faith in Supreme God Kabir Saheb assures us that He is always with us and will help us through our struggles—something no one else can do. With faith in God, anything is possible.
By taking refuge in Supreme God Kabir Saheb, we become free from mental, physical, and financial burdens in this pressure-filled world. He is the omnipresent Father of all living beings and understands each one’s needs.
Many individuals have transformed their lives and those of their loved ones by reading the life-changing book “Way of Living” written by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. You can order it for free from www.jagatgururampalji.org. His enlightening spiritual discourses are also available on the YouTube channel “Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj” and through the official mobile app, which can be downloaded for free from the Play Store.
FAQs on Rising Stress Levels in Youth in 2025
1. Why is stress increasing among youth in 2025?
Stress among youth is rising due to academic pressure, fear of failure, social media comparisons, job market uncertainty, and lack of emotional support.
2. What are the common signs of stress in teenagers and young adults?
Common signs include anxiety, irritability, sleep problems, headaches, fatigue, poor academic performance, and social withdrawal.
3. How can students manage exam stress effectively?
Students can manage stress by practicing time management, regular revision, deep breathing, meditation, and getting enough sleep before exams.
4. Is any spiritual method effective for stress relief?
Yes, many individuals find peace through spiritual practices like mantra chanting, meditation, and following true spiritual guidance, which help reduce anxiety and bring mental clarity.
5. What role does lifestyle play in youth stress levels?
Unhealthy lifestyles, including poor sleep, lack of exercise, screen addiction, and irregular eating habits, significantly increase stress among youth.
