Why Does My Teen Feel Overwhelmed and What Can I Do to Support Them?
This Complex Life · Marie Vakakis
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Show Notes
Ever feel like your teen is constantly overwhelmed and stressed, but you're unsure how to help without making things worse? In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways you can support your teen when life feels like it’s coming at them too fast. Whether it's school pressures, social media, or the daily juggle of activities, teens today face a lot. I’ll help you understand why they might be feeling so overwhelmed and how you, as a parent, can be there for them in the best way possible.
As a therapist and mental health educator, I’ve seen how parents can unintentionally add to the pressure. But it doesn’t have to be this way! I’ll explain why listening is often more powerful than offering solutions and share tips on connecting with your teen when they’re struggling.
Key Takeaways:
- Why teens feel overwhelmed: Reflect on the factors contributing to your teen’s stress, from social pressures to academic expectations.
- The difference between stress and overwhelm: Understand how stress can motivate, but when it turns into overwhelm, it’s like drinking from a fire hose.
- Stop fixing, start listening: Discover how to hold space for your teen and let them feel heard without jumping into problem-solving mode.
- Use emotion coaching to connect: Learn how to validate your teen’s feelings and open up the conversation in a supportive way.
- Give them space to decompress: Understand why bombarding them with questions or advice right away isn’t helpful.
- Collaborate on solutions when they’re ready: Help your teen problem-solve once they feel seen and heard, not before.
Resources:
- Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown: A fantastic resource on stress and overwhelm.
- Link to stress cycle video: Check out my video on how to manage the stress cycle.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bFGz9ObyW4
JOIN the Connected Teens Course https://marievakakis.com.au/connected-teens/
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Mentioned in this episode:
Join me live Jan 28th for the Relationship New Year Reset https://marievakakis.com.au/relationship-new-year-reset-2026/