Three ways to help your teen when they're feeling burnt out
As any parent of a teenager knows, the teenage years can be a time of intense stress and pressure. Teens are under pressure to succeed in school, make friends, and fit in. They may also face pressure from their parents, guardians, teachers or other individuals to meet high expectations. As a result, it's not uncommon for teenagers to experience feelings of burnout. Symptoms of burnout include fatigue, irritability, anxiety, and depression. In teenagers, these symptoms may present themselves in the following behaviours:
- Your teenager is not sleeping or eating well
- They’re a lot more irritable
- They want to spend more time alone
- They’ve lost interest in things they normally enjoy
If left unchecked, burnout can lead to serious health problems so it’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of burnout, and learn how to prevent or manage burnout.
- Acknowledge how they’re feeling
As a parent, it’s important to try to create an environment at home that is supportive and understanding. When teenagers are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, they may be likely to lash out at you or act inappropriately. It’s tempting to get frustrated or upset with them. But it’s your job to encourage them to acknowledge how they’re really feeling and help them make sense of the situation. Although you may not be able to relate or understand all of their concerns, you have to acknowledge their emotions.
- Set the right example when you’re feeling under pressure
As a parent, it's natural to want to protect your child from any source of harm – including emotional harm. After all, you want your child to grow up feeling confident and secure, and able to cope with whatever life throws their way.
But it's important to remember that children learn by example. So if you're constantly struggling to keep your own emotions in check, or feel like you're constantly on the verge of burning out, you're likely teaching your teenager that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and stressed all the time. It might not always feel like your teenager listens to you, but they certainly pick up on your behaviours.
Of course, it's impossible to be perfectly balanced all the time. but by making an effort to manage your emotions in a healthy way, and taking steps to avoid burnout, you can set a strong foundation for your child to do the same. In the end, managing your emotions effectively is not only important for your own wellbeing. It's also one of the best things you can do for your child.
- Help them learn to manage their emotions
Parents play an important role in helping their teenagers learn to manage their emotions. As any parent of a teenager knows, managing emotions can be a challenge at that age. Teens are dealing with hormones, peer pressure, and the many stresses of everyday life, all while trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in. As a result, it's not uncommon for them to lash out or withdraw when they're feeling overwhelmed.
However, there are things that parents can do to help their teens learn to manage their emotions in healthier ways. This includes handling conflict in a constructive way, maintaining open communication, and managing stress in a healthy way. One way parents can help is by teaching problem-solving skills. This includes teaching teens how to identify their goals, brainstorm possible solutions, and weigh the pros and cons of each option. With these tools, parents can help their teenagers learn how to manage their emotions in a more constructive way.
Finally, parents can provide resources for their teenager to help them learn more about emotions and how to manage them effectively. This might include books, articles, websites, or even therapy. By taking these steps, parents can help their teenager develop the skills they need to effectively manage their emotions.
