Helping Teens with Stress and Anxiety
Teens face many challenges that can lead to stress and anxiety, like school and social life. It’s important to teach them how to handle these feelings in a healthy way.
1. What is Stress and Anxiety?
Stress is when we feel overwhelmed or worried. Anxiety happens when stress gets too big to manage. Teens might show stress by:
- Not sleeping well
- Feeling upset or worried
- Having headaches or stomachaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems with performance in activities such as sports & school
- Self-esteem issues
If your teen feels like this often, it might be time to help them manage their stress.
2. Ways to Handle Stress
Here are some ways to help teens deal with stress:
- Small Steps: Big tasks can feel scary. Help your teen break tasks into smaller steps.
- Get Organized: Making a plan for the day can help teens feel less worried.
- Move Around: Exercise or activities like walking, dancing, or sports can make stress easier to handle.
3. Relaxation Tips for Anxiety
Teach your teen these simple ways to calm down:
- Deep Breathing: Breathe in slowly through your nose like you’re smelling a flower, then breathe out through your mouth like your blowing off a cup of hot chocolate. This can help them feel better fast.
- Tense and Relax: Ask your teen to squeeze their muscles for a few seconds, then relax. This can help them let go of stress.
- Mindfulness: This means paying attention to what’s happening right now. One helpful exercise is called “5 Things.” Have your teen name:
- 5 things they can see,
- 4 things they can touch,
- 3 things they can hear,
- 2 things they can smell, and
- 1 thing they can taste.
4. Talk About It
It’s important for teens to know they can talk about their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel stressed and that you’re there to listen. Talking to a trusted adult or a counselor can help.
5. Get Help When Needed
If stress is stopping your teen from feeling good or doing things they enjoy, it might be time to talk to a doctor or counselor. They can teach more ways to manage anxiety.
Stress and anxiety can be tough, but by teaching your teen ways to manage these feelings, you can help them stay strong and healthy. If things feel too hard, don’t hesitate to get professional help.
