I Don’t Know If This Is Stress or Something More

You’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is typical stress—or something that needs more attention. The line feels unclear, and you don’t want to overreact or miss something important.

CHECK FIRST
Pause and ask:
How long has this been going on?
Is it getting better, worse, or staying the same?
Is daily functioning affected?
Am I seeing this across settings—or just one?
Duration and impact matter.

THEN
Choose a thoughtful next step.

Option 1: Keep tracking patterns
Consistency gives clarity.

Option 2: Ask a neutral question
“How are things feeling lately?” can open conversation.

Option 3: Seek perspective if needed
Outside input can support—not replace—your judgment.

PAUSE
Uncertainty doesn’t mean inaction. It means you’re paying attention.

NOTES / REFLECTION
If it helps, reflect on:
What signs feel most concerning right now?
What has changed over time?
What information would help next?

If you want to understand why senior year feels heavy right now, start with Senior Year, Season by Season.

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