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Resources for teens

No matter what you’re experiencing and feeling, you are not alone, and you too deserve support.

Things to try

These tips are sourced from the award-winning "Seize the Awkward" mental health campaign by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation in collaboration with the Ad Council.

  • Don’t forget your basic needs

    When you’re in a crisis or managing big emotions, it’s easy to forget the everyday habits that can improve your mood and well-being. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eight to 10 hours is ideal. Spend time outside when possible. Move your body in whatever way you can that feels good to you. Make sure you’re eating and drinking plenty of water. Try journaling, meditation, or breathing to help you ground yourself in the present moment.
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    Take Care of Yourself While Caring for Others Care for Your Mind + Body

  • Prioritize self-care and stress relief

    Set aside a dedicated time each day to do something that makes you feel calm, alleviates stress or simply makes you happy—whether it’s meditation, giving yourself a facial, cooking, dancing to your favorite playlist, walking your dog, or doodling in a coloring book.
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  • Stay connected

    Spending time with people you trust can really help you process and manage big emotions and is good for your mental health overall. Even if you don’t feel up to it, reach out to friends and family you trust, in person or remotely. You might be surprised how much it helps in hard moments.
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Take a nap
  • two people sitting and talking at a table outdoors

    Ask for support from friends and family

    If you're going through a challenging time, think about who you feel comfortable with, and what interactions might feel supportive so you can tell people what you need—whether it's talking about how you’re feeling so you can release some pent-up emotions, or finding comfort by time together with no words exchanged.
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    Manage Anxiety & Overthinking Find Connection

  • Create an upbeat playlist

    Aside from just sounding good, research shows that listening to music actually increases blood flow to regions in your brain that generate and control emotions. And studies show that faster music (usually performed at a tempo between 140 and 150 beats per minute) tends to generate more positive emotions than slower music. Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” (at 156 BPM) is just one example of a song that might give you some positive emotions—it's the first of 10 in a research-backed playlist. But don't let us stop you from making your own playlist of songs that feel good to you.
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    Reduce Stress Focus on Positivity Manage Anxiety & Overthinking

  • Spend some time with a pet

    Pets can provide comfort, companionship, and more often than not, a laugh, when you need it most. Science also backs up the benefits of having a pet on your mental health. Spend some time playing with your pet and enjoying each other company. If you don’t have a pet but love animals, consider volunteering at a shelter or visiting a neighbor or a friend with a pet.
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    Reduce Stress Find Connection
More Things To Try