WHAT’S HELPED ME
ADVICE FOR OTHER TEENS
Some things that have really helped me when I’m overwhelmed:
Taking a break. Just stepping away for a bit can make all the difference.
Talking to someone I trust. Whether it’s texting a friend, calling a
sibling, or chatting with a parent face-to-face, it helps.
Listening to music or watching something funny. It’s a simple way to
hit the reset button on your brain.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned? When your mind is racing, your decisions
usually aren’t the best. Taking a break gives your brain time to breathe. It
clears the fog and helps you come back stronger, calmer, and with a
better mindset.
And while some people need space, others—like me—sometimes just need to vent. Keeping your feelings
bottled up is like shaking a soda bottle: eventually, it’s going to explode. Reaching out to someone you trust
helps you release that pressure in a healthy way.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU CAN’T STEP AWAY
Of course, not every situation gives you the luxury of stepping
away. A lot of our anxiety comes from school—things like
public speaking, group projects, or timed tests.
In those moments, I’ve learned to focus on small things that
ground me:
Take a few deep breaths.
Drink some water.
Remind yourself: You’ve done hard things before—you can
do this too.
It’s not always about eliminating stress. It’s about learning to
navigate through it.
If you're another teen going through this, here’s something
I’ve learned:
Your circle matters.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up. That old
saying, "garbage in, garbage out,” is real. If your friends are
constantly negative, it rubs off. But if they’re supportive, kind,
and optimistic—even in tough situations—that energy is
contagious too.
Good friends can help you see the light in the dark. They can
remind you that you’re not alone, and that whatever you’re
going through, you will get through it.
SHE TALKS | 68