KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- The tough economy has likely added some stress to your mind and pocketbook.

But your children might also be more stressed out than you think.

East Tennessee counselors and other mental health professionals say they're seeing more kids more stressed, especially about family finances.

South Doyle High School Senior Chelsea Love, 17, says the recession didn't hit her family too hard, but she still works at Papa Murphy's to help.

"I wanted to be able to help my family and support myself when I get older," Love said. "It does great stressful. I'll admit I'm more stressed this year than last."

Love's not alone.

"Given everything that's going on in the economy. I don't think it's that surprising," West High School Counselor Rebbecca Brookshire said.

Brookshire says she's seen more students almost daily handling more stress, especially about family finances.

More students have taken jobs and have shown signs of stress at school, according to Brookshire.

"We've had some that we've seen at stress level, where it was concerning enough to talk to the parents and say--hey this is what they're holding on their shoulders right now," Brookshire said.

The American Psychological Association's 'Stress in America' survey found stress about cash has had a greater impact on kids than parents even believe.

The on-line survey asked 1,568 adults and 1,206 young people 8-17 years old about their stress.

Teens and tweens were more likely than parents to say their stress increased in past year, according to the survey.

More than a third (36 percent) of kids surveyed said they're more stressed now, and a third of children were worried about money problems.

The survey found 42 percent adults reported their stress had increased, and 24 percent said they experienced "extreme stress."

"A child basis a great deal of their comfort on a sense that their needs are being met and a lot of that's communication by the parents," Psychiatrist Greg Gass said.

Gass says he's seen signs of increased stress in kids as young as five years old.

"It's important for their parents to convey, that even though the income is dropping, that things will be OK," Gass said.

Love's school sport has given her worries an outlet, but she hopes her increased stress becomes just another growing pain.

"I don't want to get gray hair.I want my hair to be brown," Love said.

To help your identify increased stress in your kids, Gass says pay attention for any changes in behavior, like eating or sleeping habits.

"Also keep an eye on mood changes, depression, or anger," Gass aid.

For young kids, Gas recommends keeping adult issues---just that as much as possible.

For older kids, like teens, he says explaining the family budget and why things are happening could help reduce stress.