Techniques to Help Teens with Stress

Teenagers today face more pressure than ever before; from school demands and exams to social media and friendships. Stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming for young people, but with the right support, they can learn healthy ways to cope and thrive. This blog explores effective techniques professionals and parents can use to help teenagers manage stress and emotional distress.

Understanding Teenage Stress

• Academic pressure, exams, and fear of failure

• Social challenges, friendships, and peer pressure

• Constant connectivity and social media influence

• Family changes, loss, or uncertainty about the future

Recognising the signs of stress such as irritability, sleep difficulties, withdrawal, or physical complaints (like headaches and stomach aches) is the first step to helping teens.

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Coping Strategies for Teenage Stress

• Encourage Healthy Routines

  • Regular exercise, balanced diet, and enough sleep help stabilise mood.

  • Small changes like limiting screen time before bed can make a big difference.ion text goes here

• Teach Relaxation Techniques

  • Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness apps can help teens calm their nervous system.

  • Grounding exercises are particularly useful when anxiety feels overwhelming.

• Provide Creative Outlets

  • Journaling, music, or art allow teens to process feelings in a safe and expressive way.

  • Creative approaches often work well when words alone feel too difficult.

• Build Supportive Connections

  • Strong, trusted relationships with family, teachers, or mentors help teens feel safe and understood.

  • Open conversations about stress reduce feelings of isolation. description

• Explore Professional Support

  Sometimes teens need more structured help. Play therapy (for younger teens) and art therapy can both provide safe, effective ways to explore emotions and develop coping skills.em description

How Art Therapy Can Help Teens Manage Stress

Art therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy that uses creativity as a bridge to emotional healing. For teenagers, it can:

• Provide a non-judgemental space to explore stress and anxiety

• Regulate the nervous system through calming, sensory activities

• Help teens express feelings they struggle to put into words

• Build resilience and healthier coping strategies
  

  Learn more about Art Therapy at WayMaker.

Stress is a normal part of teenage life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it’s important to step in early. By combining healthy coping strategies at home with creative and therapeutic support, teenagers can learn to manage stress, build resilience, and face challenges with greater confidence.