Under Pressure

Between 2005 and 2014, the number of female teens reporting nervousness and fearfulness jumped 55%.

Damour begins by recognizing that some stress is healthy and that human survival requires it. She cites, for example, how the stress of meeting challenges or standing up to bullies extends your capacity as a human being. Healthy stress helps young girls develop resilience, confidence and strength.

With guidance, Damour explains, girls can learn to manage stress. However, stress is unhealthy when it overwhelms you. Everyone’s tolerance differs. Psychologists divide stress into three categories: life events, daily hassles and chronic stress. Life events, like illnesses, bring on the stress of adapting to a new normal. Even positive change can bring stress.