Being overwhelmed is hard. If you are feeling like it’s all too much you can call Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800. This is a 24/7 counselling service for anyone up to the age of 25.
If you don’t want to do that, here are some things you can do to ground you:
Talk to someone. Tell a friend, parent or counsellor that you are feeling stressed. Expressing your stress is an effective way to feel some relief.
Listen to your favourite song. I know this seems silly, but if things are getting to too much, step away from what you are doing, put on your favourite song and blast it.
Breathe. Breathe in through your mouth, until your stomach is filled with air, then breathe out through your nose. Repeat this cycle 10 times, then hold your breath for as long as possible. Then repeat the cycle of breathing in and out, hold your breath once you’ve done that 10 times. Keep repeating until you feel calmer.
Have a cold shower. This sounds crazy, but it is amazing. It’s scary but just put yourself under the water for as long as you can.
Do something you enjoy. If you can, step away from whatever you are doing, and take a break. Read a book, cook, watch a movie, run, call a friend, just whatever you know will make you feel more relaxed.
Watch your thoughts. Take a step back and watch your thoughts flying through your head as if they are movie. Watch them zooming around mind, as if they weren’t your thoughts, but someone else’s.
If you can't do that, write your thoughts down. I know I personally make myself feel more overwhelmed when I have everything stuck in my head. Writing everything down in a book helps you make sense of what is overwhelming you. So make a list of all the things that are making you stressed and are being bottled up in your head, and 9 times out of 10 you'll realise there isn't as much wrong as you think, or as overwhelming as you once thought.
If none of this helps, there are more resources and counselling services at the bottom of the page, that will.
Hang in there. This feeling will pass.
Change your perspective and uncover a way forward for you!
My Anxious Mind by Katherine A. Martinez and Michael A. Tompkins
Tackle stress head-on and to feel more confident and empowered in the process. My Anxious Mind offers ways for you to improve their inter-personal skills, whether it be with friends, family, or teachers.
Fighting Invisible Tigers by Earl Hipp This book talks about pressures and problems you might experience and show you life skills, stress management, and methods of gaining more control over your life.
Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings by Mary Lamia, PhD
Thia will help you understand your emotions and who you are, how you appear to others, and what you can be. While your emotional life may feel out of control, your emotions are valuable. It's time to figure just what your emotions are telling you!
Great Films
Mulan
Young Mulan is sad to learn that her weak father must join the army to fight in the war. she dresses herself as a man and joins the army in his place.
Inside Out
Eleven-year-old Riley moves to San Francisco, leaving behind her life in Minnesota. She and her five core emotions, Fear, Anger, Joy, Disgust and Sadness, struggle to cope with her new life.
Surf's Up All Cody Maverick wants to do is surf. But no one he knows gets that. So, he travels from Antarctica to Pen Gu Island hoping to win the Big Z Memorial Surf Off.
If you would like to explore what’s going on
for you today, then just jump on! You will be
welcomed to a safe, warm, non-judgemental
space where you can be yourself and uncover
what is important to you. You have all the answers. Let us help you find your way.