When it comes to teen mental health and stress – and - coping with things we can’t control, gratitude is one of the best ways to bring things back in check. We talk about this a lot at the YAB, and while teens have a good handle on the many things they are grateful for, sometimes they just need a reminder to re-focus their thinking and to come back to what those things are.

Here are a few insights from our own YAB teens on what they need help with most when dealing with their stressors.

I think what would help is having more discussions about it so they know that what they are feeling is not wrong. A lot of people feel bad because they think they are the only ones dealing with the things they are, when many of the things they feel are valid and common among other teenagers.

I think teens need support from friends and family, and also encouragement to reach out for help!

I think we just need a break. A day where we don’t have to worry about our homework, relationship problems, and anything else like that. A break from the stressors of life would bring a refreshed mind and energy to deal with them at a different point.

I think teens nowadays need help with figuring out what their me time is and finding an outlet for their concerns and worries.

I think teens need a safe place to talk about their stressors and worries and receive advice. Teens also need a way to escape their stresses and worries without creating new problems.

I think a lot of our stress, especially at this time of year, comes from school. what might help kids the most is some changes at school that could help students balance their sleep work and social life better…. as well as parents that better understand that imbalance.

We also know from our own YAB teens and have reported often, that teens are stressed the MOST about school, college future/readiness, time management, and procrastination. 

Added to that are the things that just go along with being a teen today, making their parents/family proud, social media, friends, drama, pressure, and feeling alone or not good enough. 

But as much as we talk about all of these things, we also talk about and work through what helps them and how they find it in themselves to cope. 

And for most, it comes down to gratitude. 

9 out of 10 YAB’s are MOST thankful for YOU – their families and their friends...

They appreciate all that they have; good homes, families to connect with, activities and sports, the holidays to share with their families, and that they feel appreciated and more importantly loved and cared for. These discussions always make us smile and we hope seeing and hearing it, directly from teens has the same effect for you. 😊 

We commend you in ensuring your teens recognize and know what they can be grateful for.

Research shows that grateful people are more resilient to stress, whether minor everyday hassles or major personal challenges.

Gratitude. 

Here are a few additional articles to help you and your teens focus on gratitude:

The Power of Gratitude in Teenage Life - Guide to Happier Teens - Teen Coach Academy

The Mental Health Benefits of Gratitude for Kids & Teens