Though we like to think of our teens as carefree and oblivious to the noise, they’re impacted by the chaos, too. Teens may even experience the additional burden of worrying about their loved ones in a world where they don’t have a whole lot of control. They also contend with the extra layers of navigating a complex social sphere, the stress of social media, and a fluctuation of hormones and a changing body. All the above can take a toll on your teen’s mental health, causing them to feel worry, anxiety, self-doubt, and a lack of control. This can cause them to struggle in school, self-isolate, get poor sleep, or experience physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches.
Free Resources for Teens
While you may recognize some of the above signs of a stressed-out teen, keep in mind that teens often find it difficult to express feelings of stress or worry. That means you may not ever hear your child vocalize their concerns or emotions. As such, it’s important to initiate those conversations and to help your teen feel like they have a safe space to talk. You can also equip your teen with tools and resources that help restore a sense of confidence and control in their world. The following websites, podcasts, and organizations for teens are all free and can serve as a jumping point and continuing guide. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
