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Need Help Now? Dial 988 or text Got5 to 741741

 

What Kids and Teens Can Do When They Are Stressed Out

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The most important thing you can do is make sure you have a few people you feel comfortable talking with when things are bothering you. If it is a parent, that's great, but it doesn't have to be. Think about extended family members--grandparents, aunties or uncles, older cousins. Teachers, coaches, pastors or faith leaders and school counselors or staff are also good options. Friends and neighbors can work too. Just make sure you have someone (or two) that you feel safe venting to and sharing your feelings. 

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Here are some other ways for you to manage stress and work through your emotions.

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  • If the environment feels safe, try to talk and listen to the person who made you feel this way. Sometimes it's helpful for both people to take a brief cooling off or thinking period before you do this. This helps people be in a better mental place to talk calmly and really hear each other.

  • Your feelings are always valid. People don't have to agree with you, and that's ok. Your feelings are still your feelings.

  • It's important to think first and reflect on your response. Feelings "in the moment" are not a valid reason to hurt other people or yourself. Give yourself some breathing room to calm down before making any decisions.

  • When someone does something that makes you feel bad, use an 'I' message: "I get frustrated when you won't listen to my side of the story."

  • If you're feeling bad about yourself, try balancing that with positive or affirmative thoughts. No one is all bad or all good. So when you're down on yourself, try and come up with a few good things too.  

  • Use creative outlets to help you get your feelings out and help you feel better. Draw a picture about how you feel or write in your diary. Sing out loud to your favorite music or dance your feelings out. 

  • Take care of your physical health to improve your mental health.Get more sleep if you're tired. Exercise, walk, bike or shoot baskets.

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Additional Resources for Kids and Teenagers

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  • 988 Crisis Lifeline: by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.

  • The Crisis Text Line, an anonymous texting service available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy. Text GOT5 to 741741.

  • Kids Health: A Nemours Foundation web site that offers kids and teens advice about physical and emotional health.

  • Covenant House: A resource for teenagers who have or are thinking about running away from home.

  • Teen Central: A web site for and by teens. A place for teens to get help for their problems.

  • American Academy of Pediatrics: An organization dedicated to the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

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