Mental health · For ages 13–17
Stress and anxiety
Stress is the body's way of preparing to manage demands or challenges.
You may notice your heart beating faster before a test, or that your thoughts keep racing when you try to sleep. Short periods of stress can help you focus. When demands, pressure or worries last a long time, it can become difficult to get enough rest and recover.
Stress can affect your body
You may experience a faster heartbeat, stomach pain, headaches, tense muscles or difficulty relaxing.
Your thoughts may race too
Some people worry a lot, become easily irritated or feel that they must always be doing something.
Sleep and breaks matter
Too little sleep can make stress worse. Regular breaks and sleep can help the body settle.
Find out what is actually causing your stress
Try to distinguish between what you can change yourself and what you need help with. A break may help on a busy afternoon, while bullying, feeling unsafe at home or ongoing school pressure require other people to take action. You should not have to rely on breathing exercises to get through a situation that adults have a responsibility to make safer.
Choose one concrete issue to raise: 'I cannot sleep because I dread going to school.' Ask for help making a plan that addresses what is causing the stress rather than only the symptoms. Agree who will follow up and when you will speak again.
When should you get help?
If stress or anxiety lasts a long time, makes sleeping or attending school difficult, or leaves you feeling unable to cope on your own, talk to someone.
What next?
Ask for help when stress becomes difficult to manage
You can ask for help even while you are still managing to get through your daily activities. It is often easier to find good solutions before the pressure becomes too great.
Sources
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