Understanding Why Teens Feel Overwhelmed
What do you do if your teenager seems constantly overwhelmed or stressed? What causes overwhelmed teens to feel the way they do? How can you help?
What Makes Overwhelmed Teens Feel The Way They Do?
Today, many high school students face overwhelming pressure. Honors students are expected to maintain above a 4.0 GPA, play sports, work, and have a social life. Teens are told they need perfect grades, high test scores, and countless extracurriculars to get into college. Even teens with a 3.6 GPA often feel like they’re failing.
Too Much Noise
On top of academic pressure, teens are bombarded by technology. Phones keep them constantly connected through texts, emails, and social media. While staying in touch is nice, this constant stream of notifications adds more stress to their already full plates.
What If You Have An Overwhelmed Teen?
Sometimes this pressure comes from society, sometimes teens place it on themselves, and other times parents unintentionally add to it. Whatever the cause, if your teen feels overwhelmed, it’s important to take action. Here’s what you can do:
Slowing Down Matters
Help your teen understand the value of slowing down. Encourage a day each week free from phones, homework, and sports. Teach them to enjoy simple things like reading a book or walking the dog. When teens learn to pause, they find more satisfaction in what they already have instead of always chasing the next achievement.
Set the Example
If you want to help overwhelmed teens, model balance in your own life. Show them that fun, rest, and relationships matter as much as accomplishments. When you prioritize these things, they will too.
Go Offline
Taking a break from devices isn’t easy. At first, your teen may feel disconnected or anxious. Try going offline with your teen. Setting the example helps both of you reset. When you have your teen take some time off from tech, they will miss out on some social activities. Just support them through the discomfort and help them see that missing out sometimes is healthy.
Keep Activities in Check
In Southern California’s busy culture, it’s tempting to sign teens up for everything. However, an overbooked schedule causes burnout. Encourage them to focus on a few activities that truly benefit them instead of juggling countless activities.
Supporting Overwhelmed Teens
Remind your teen that good grades don’t have to be perfect. Help them understand that contentment is just as valuable as ambition. Cutting back on tech and activities can be painful, but it’s a lot better for your teen in the long run.
Helping teens grow and families improve connection,
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT