Feeling Overwhelmed? Here’s Where Teens Can Turn for Support
Life as a teenager can be exciting, but it can also be a lot to manage. Between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social pressures, and personal challenges, it’s easy to feel stressed. This Mental Health Awareness Month, when you feel overwhelmed, remember that you’re not alone. Today, there’s a greater variety of mental health resources for teens than ever.
What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed?
If life is getting the better of you, consider turning to these people and resources.
Trusted Adults: Parents, Teachers, and School Counselors
Talking to a trusted adult can be one of the best ways to manage stress. Parents, guardians, teachers, and school counselors are there to support you. If you’re unsure how to start the conversation, just be honest about how you’re feeling and ask for guidance on coping strategies. You can also try writing down your thoughts before the conversation.
Friends: A Support System You Can Lean On
Friends and peers can be a great source of support when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s okay to let them know you’re struggling. Sharing your feelings with a friend can make it easier to process emotions and feel less alone. When you do, be open about what you need. Sometimes, you might just want them to listen rather than give advice. And remember, being a good friend goes both ways — checking in on your friends can help foster strong, supportive relationships.
Professional Help: Therapists and Services
If stress feels overwhelming or persistent, reaching out to a professional can help. Many schools offer mental health services, and some communities provide free or low-cost therapy options for teens. You can also find plenty of resources online. A few of these include:
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 for free, confidential support 24/7.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor.
- The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678.
Other Resources: Reputable Nonprofit Online Platforms
You can also turn to vetted online forums to gather insights from other teens and families who have shared your experiences. Forums that allow you to remain anonymous can feel more comfortable than in-person conversations or can help you prepare for those conversations. Look for online forums operated by a reputable nonprofit, such as ReGroup Foundation.
Get Mental Health Support With ReGroup Foundation
ReGroup Foundation is a nonprofit that helps preteens and teens as well as their families anonymously share and benefit from mental health success stories. Too often, the best resources and practices in teen wellness remain under the radar.
We want all families to benefit from the triumphs of those who have “been there, done that” where issues impacting teen welfare are concerned. We make this possible by collecting family reviews of local mental health caregivers and facilities and providing a forum for sharing personal strategies that teens can use in recovering from wellness challenges. In only 15 minutes, you can begin making a world of difference in the lives of teens and their families — just by anonymously sharing your successes. Register today, and start sharing your reviews and mental health insights.