Teens Mental Health — Extra Support & FAQs

Lots of teens go through periods of stress, overwhelm, low mood, or anxiety — especially when life is changing fast.

What matters most is whether it’s affecting your daily life (sleep, school, friendships, eating, motivation, safety).

• If it’s lasting weeks or getting heavier, support can help.
• You don’t need to “prove” you’re struggling to deserve help.

That’s okay. You can still get support.

• School counsellor, trusted teacher, coach, youth worker
• Trusted adult in your family (aunt/uncle/older sibling)
• Helplines or youth mental health services

If you’re worried about safety, it’s okay to ask an adult to help you find the right next step — without sharing everything.

That can feel awful — and it doesn’t mean you should stop trying.

• Try again with a different person (someone safer).
• Write it down first (notes app / paper).
• Start small: “I’m not okay lately. I need support.”

You deserve someone who takes you seriously.

Therapy can feel weird at first — that’s normal.

• You can ask what the session will look like.
• You can say “I’m nervous” — therapists expect that.
• You can go at your pace. You don’t have to tell everything in week one.

This is a common feeling when you’ve been carrying too much for too long.

But you are not a burden. You are a person who needs support — and that’s allowed.

If this feeling gets intense or you feel unsafe, please jump to Urgent help.

• Drink water + change your temperature (cold splash / cool cloth).
• Move your body for 60 seconds (stretch, walk, shake out hands).
• Try the “Name 5 things” grounding (see Calm Corner below).
• Text or message someone safe: “I need a bit of support right now.”