When you combine this developmental reality with the real stress that teens have been under since the pandemic, it is understandable that they can become easily overwhelmed by emotions. There’s even a recent study that showed teens’ brains aged faster in the first year of the pandemic due to increased stress.

So how do we help our teens at such a crucial time? How do we help teens cope with anxiety and depression? Teens need us now more than ever to guide them through how to cope and help them to feel they’re not alone. Here are some tips to help your teen when they are overwhelmed by big emotions:

For many people, anxiety is most intense first thing in the morning. You may find yourself waking with symptoms of anxiety as soon as you wake up, even before your feet hit the floor. If you find yourself feeling the most anxious in the morning hours, here are some strategies to find relief.

You have probably heard that mindfulness is good for anxiety. You may have even tried to start a daily mediation practice. If you found it challenging to stick with, you are not alone. Many of my clients report having difficulty with meditation and come away with the conclusion that it doesn’t work for them. They might find that their mind is racing with thoughts, they focus on their breath and it becomes more tense, or they simply can’t keep their body still for any stretch of time. This is a common experience. If you’ve experienced trauma in your life, sitting still with your own thoughts and sensations may feel incredibly uncomfortable or even unsafe. So how do you get the benefits of mindfulness without sitting still?

It’s normal to feel some stress and worry about school. There is so much to deal with in high school! From homework and tests to the pressures that come with changing friendships and social expectations. Then there are things that you might worry about beyond the classroom. Maybe your parents are always fighting or you’re dealing with trying to balance school work and a job. And let’s not even get started on the stress and pressures of college applications! Anyone who said that being a teen was easy and carefree clearly has amnesia.

So how do you know when your worry and stress goes beyond what’s typical?