Healthcare3 Most Important Mental Health Tips for Teens

Between juggling school, work, college applications, and extracurriculars, teens face stress on a daily basis. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2018 Stress in America™ Survey, 91% of Gen Z claims to have experienced one or more symptoms of stress, such as feeling sad, depressed, or disengaged. The survey found that less than 50% of those polled felt adequately equipped to manage stress. As stress levels continue to rise, focusing on mental health is now more important than ever. The following tips help teens fit taking care of their emotional well-beings into their busy schedules.

Tip #1: Sometimes sleep is the answer

While everyone knows sleep is important, not enough teens prioritize going to bed at a reasonable time. A study by the National Sleep Foundation found a high correlation between sleep deprivation and mood, finding that 73% of teens who reported feeling unhappy or depressed also reported not getting enough sleep at night. Teens should get anywhere from eight to ten hours of sleep each night in order to function at their highest capabilities.

Not getting enough sleep can also be dangerous. Several myths about teen fatigue pervade American culture, such as the idea that sleeping in on the weekend helps make up for lost sleep during the week. However, this often proves to be impossible. Accordingly, sleeping the proper amount each night is necessary in ensuring both productivity and peace of mind.

Tip #2: Get moving

Another way to combat stress is to get active.The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends teens get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, with 3 days of moderate-to-vigorous activity a week for teens. However, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that more than 80% of adolescents fail to meet these national guidelines for physical activity.

Enjoyable physical activities release endorphins, which fight negative emotions. Potential activities span far beyond running on a treadmill; teens can hike with a friend, go kayaking, or try a new workout class. Exercising can (and should) be enjoyable in order to contribute to a clearer mental state.

Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to say no

The concept of being “busy” in high school is often overglorified, so oftentimes, taking a break and stepping back goes a long way. It’s important not to feel pressured to always say “yes” to every opportunity; it’s okay to have personal time. To help organize their schedules, teens should block off time for not only school assignments and extracurriculars, but also self-care. This may take the form of reading a book, writing in a journal, or even just watching an episode of a favorite show.

If the stress gets to be too much, teens should reach out for help. Navigating high school alone can be confusing and scary, and plenty of resources exist to lend a hand. In the case of immediate crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK) offers 24/7 confidential and free advice and support.

This post has been sponsored by Anna Blair