STRESS AWARENESS
This resource toolkit brings together up-to-date resources from trusted organizations, including tools, data, and links designed to support young people, caregivers, and professionals in finding the help and information they need.*
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*All data and links were accurate at the time of publication, but may change over time.
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Information for:
Stress is something everyone experiences, and it’s a normal reaction to situations that feel new or challenging. In small doses, it can even help us cope and strengthen our problem‑solving abilities. But when stress continues over long periods, it can start to take a toll on our health. This toolkit is designed to help you understand the difference between helpful and harmful stress, and to give you the resources and tools to help manage it.
EVERYONE
What’s the difference between stress and anxiety? Stress is your body’s physical or mental reaction to something challenging — like a big homework load or not feeling well. A stressor can be a one-time thing or something that shows up again and again. Anxiety is your body’s response to that stress, and it can show up even when there isn’t an immediate threat. When anxiety sticks around and starts getting in the way of everyday life, it can affect your overall health.
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RESOURCES
Explore these resources to learn more about stress, coping skills, and more:
This fact sheet by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) distinguishes between stress and anxiety, and how you can cope.
Watch this short video by NIMH explaining stress and anxiety in adolescents and how they both affect young people’s mental health.
YOUTH
Teens have a lot on their plates -- schoolwork, friends, activities, and all the changes that come with growing up. With so much happening at once, it’s completely normal to feel stressed or even burned out. When your schedule starts to feel overloaded, it can be tough to keep everything balanced. Taking a moment to organize what you’re committed to during the school year can make a big difference in preventing burnout and mental fatigue.
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The Commitment Planner template from NAMI is a tool designed to help students manage their school, work, and personal time, promoting mental well-being. Everyone's commitments are unique, so feel free to customize it to fit your specific needs.
Change to Chill offers a “Stress Less Guide” to help you manage stressful situations.
Explore these resources to learn more about stress, coping skills, and more:
CAREGIVERS
Are you concerned that your teen is struggling but unsure how to support them or where to start with helping? Change to Chill offers free online mental health resources and valuable tips on effectively communicating with your teen about the importance of prioritizing their mental health. You'll also find practical strategies to help them manage stress and anxiety.
Explore these resources to learn more about stress, coping skills, and more:
Visit Change to Chill’s “Supporting Youth” webpage for caregivers and educators. This page provides helpful tips for talking to teens about stress and mental well-being.
As a caregiver, caring for your own mental health and coping with stress in a healthy way can have a positive impact on yourself and those around you. Visit the CDC’s “Managing Stress” webpage to learn more.
EDUCATORS & PROFESSIONALS
The pressures of academic performance, social relationships, and extracurricular activities can create a high-stress environment for teens. This stress can manifest as anxiety, causing symptoms like irritability and difficulty concentrating. Educators and other youth-serving professionals play a crucial role in supporting teens by creating a supportive and understanding environment. Consider implementing stress-reducing activities, such as mindfulness exercises, and providing resources for mental health support.
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Character Strong regularly hosts webinars for educators, covering a range of topics related to student mental health. Related to stress and anxiety is their webinar titled “How to Support Students with Anxious Feelings”. You can explore all of their webinars here!
Explore these resources to learn more about stress, coping skills, and more:
Not seeing a resource you need? Email us freeyourfeels@gmail.com and let's work together on creating resources that support the mental health and wellbeing of Georgia’s young people
If you or someone you know is in a crisis situation, please call or text 988 for 24/7 support.
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Free Your Feels is not a mental health provider and does not offer crisis services.
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Additional topics and resources are available in the Resource Library.
