Growing up can be hard. School, friends, family, sports, social media, and changes in your body can bring a lot of stress.
Some days may feel great. Other days may feel heavy.
You may feel worried, sad, angry, lonely, or confused. You may not even know why you feel that way.
That is okay.
Your feelings matter. You matter.
It Is Okay to Have Big Feelings
Everyone has emotions.
You may feel happy one minute and upset the next. You may also feel nervous about school, friendships, or what other people think of you.
Big feelings are not bad.
Instead, they are often your mind’s way of telling you that something needs care.
So, pay attention to how you feel.
Stress Can Feel Like a Lot
Stress can affect your mind and your body.
You may have trouble sleeping. Your stomach may hurt. You may get headaches. You may also feel tired or upset.
Sometimes you may want to be alone.
When stress starts to build, take a break.
Listen to music. Go outside. Draw. Write. Move your body. Take slow breaths.
Most of all, talk to someone you trust.
School Pressure Is Real
School can bring a lot of pressure.
You may worry about grades, tests, homework, sports, or fitting in.
However, you do not have to be perfect.
One bad grade does not define you. One mistake does not define you either.
Do your best. Ask for help when you need it. Then, give yourself time to rest.
Your health matters more than being perfect.
Friendships Can Be Hard
Friends can make life fun. However, friendships can also cause stress.
People may argue. Friends may grow apart. You may feel left out.
That can hurt.
Healthy friends should respect you. They should also let you be yourself.
If someone keeps hurting you, talk with an adult you trust.
You deserve safe and caring friendships.
Bullying Is Not Your Fault
Bullying can happen at school, online, or in other places.
It may include mean words, threats, rumors, hitting, or leaving someone out on purpose.
If you are being bullied, tell an adult.
Keep telling until someone helps.
Also, save messages or screenshots if bullying happens online.
You deserve to feel safe.
Social Media and Your Mental Health
Social media can be fun. Yet it can also make you compare yourself with other people.
Remember, you are often seeing only a small part of someone’s life.
Take breaks when you need them.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, spend time with people and things that make you feel good.
Your worth is not measured by likes, views, or followers.
Find Healthy Ways to Cope
Hard feelings need a safe place to go.
Try different coping tools.
You might:
- Listen to music
- Draw or paint
- Write in a journal
- Play with a pet
- Go for a walk
- Exercise or play a sport
- Read
- Take slow breaths
- Spend time outside
- Talk with someone
Not every tool will work for everyone.
Find what works for you.
Talk to Someone You Trust
You do not have to handle everything alone.
Talk with a parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, counselor, family member, or another adult you trust.
You can start with a few simple words:
“I’m having a hard time.”
You do not need to explain everything at once.
Just start the conversation.
When You Need More Help
Sometimes sadness, fear, anger, or stress does not go away.
You may stop enjoying things you once loved. May want to stay away from everyone. You may also feel like nothing will ever get better.
If this happens, tell an adult you trust.
Also, tell someone right away if you are thinking about hurting yourself or suicide.
You deserve help.
Keep telling trusted adults until someone listens and helps you.
You Do Not Have to Be Perfect
Growing up takes time.
You will make mistakes. Will have bad days. You may change your mind about who you are or what you want.
That is part of growing.
Be kind to yourself.
Ask questions. Try new things. Rest when you need to.
Most importantly, remember:
You are important.
Your feelings matter.
Your voice matters.
And you never have to face a hard time alone.
APP: LCH-Echo
