Both teens and adults experience stress. Stress is the physical or mental response to an external cause, such as arguing with a friend or encountering a difficult situation at school. These feelings are your body’s way of warning you about risk and bringing your attention to problems that must be resolved. A stressor can be one-time or ongoing.  On the other hand, anxiety is the body’s reaction to stress and can occur even if there is no current threat. While all humans experience some anxiety, when worries and fears become persistent, they can begin to interfere with everyday life and impact your teen’s health.  As a parent or those in a parenting role, you can support your teen in learning to identify and manage their stress- an essential skill they will use for years to come.