Discover how mental health works, why it's okay to seek help, and tips to keep your mental battery charged. Tailored for teens, this guide breaks it down.
Your mental health relates to your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Sometimes, that’s a lot to wrap your head around. So, we like to think of it like your phone’s battery life. Just like your phone needs to be charged, your mind has its own kind of “energy” that needs to be looked after. On days when you’re feeling on top of the world, your battery might be at a full 100%, lighting up every app and running smoothly.
But we all have those days when our “battery” feels like it’s running dangerously low and in desperate need of a recharge. That doesn’t mean your phone is broken; it just means it’s been working hard and needs some time to recover.
Not taking breaks, facing continuous stress, or not addressing emotional issues is like running a ton of apps in the background. They drain your battery faster, even if you’re not actively using them. Recognizing which “apps” (or stressors) are draining your energy is a huge step in understanding how to manage your mental health.
Just as you wouldn’t blame your phone for running low on charge after a long day, you shouldn’t blame yourself for feeling mentally drained. Instead, plug into supportive resources, talk to someone, and give yourself the sleep and rest “charge” you need. Remember, even phones need downtime to update and optimize. Your mind deserves the same care and attention.
Just like a phone overloaded with open apps, your mind can feel swamped by life’s many challenges. It’s entirely okay to “close” some of those mental tasks so you aren’t perpetually dwelling on them, allowing you a chance to breathe.
Perhaps you’re pondering a challenging situation at school or considering how to discuss something with your parents. Added to that, maybe you’re grappling with residual loneliness or anxiety from the pandemic. Processing all these thoughts simultaneously can be exhausting. Pause for a moment, prioritize your concerns, and decide which mental “apps” you can temporarily close to give yourself some relief.
Just as your phone gets constant notifications, life can ping your emotions unexpectedly. Everyone handles these “notifications” differently. Some might swipe away an issue with ease, while others might find it tougher. Your reactions are unique and valid. Remember, our mental health journeys are personal.
We also know sometimes it can be hard to talk about your mental health due to stigmas and avoidance in some communities —those clouds of judgment that hover around something completely natural. It’s not uncommon for stigmas to be born out of cultural values or reinforced by systems we interact with daily, like schools.
But here’s the silver lining: even though our mental health journeys are unique, we’re never alone in navigating them. There’s a wealth of resources and people ready to help. By opening up, you might just give your mental battery a boost and inspire someone else to do the same. Your voice matters. Share it.
Wanna boost your mental game? Check out these power moves to level up 🚀 and feel your best:
📝 📖 Journaling: Feeling some kind of way? Get your feelings down on paper or even your notes app if you’re on the go. Getting those thoughts out of your head can be a game-changer for processing and understanding emotions.
🧘🏽♀️ 🌬️Practice meditation and/or breathing exercises: Meditation and breathing exercises are like hitting the “refresh” button for your brain, clearing away stress and overthinking. They can help you step out of the whirlwind of overwhelming thoughts and anchor you in the present moment. By tuning into the now, you can clear the mental fog, feel more centered, and handle life’s curveballs with a clearer mind.
🌞 🌲 Get some fresh air: Ditch the screens for a bit. Go for a walk or run, lie in the grass, or just feel the breeze. Nature is basically a free mood booster.
🏀 🎨 Find a hobby you love: Whether it’s shooting hoops, sketching, or listening to music/dancing – find your passion and rock it. It can give you a grounding anchor – a space where you can control the narrative, pour out your feelings, and rediscover balance and joy.
👫 🫱🏿🫲🏾Stay social: Connect with your squad. Whether it’s old friends, new ones, or family, staying connected keeps you grounded.
🌟❤️ Practice gratitude: Tuning into the small wins can be a total game-changer. That unexpected compliment on your style. Scoring those concert tickets. Finding the perfect song that just gets you. Nailing the latest Tik Tok challenge or sinking a tough shot in the game. Finding moments of gratitude not only boosts your mood but also helps you zoom out and appreciate the bigger picture. Especially on days when things feel overwhelming, these small reminders can make all the difference.
🗣️💬 Talk to someone: We know this one takes courage, but talking can be the ultimate power move. Speaking up can lighten your load. Whether it’s with your bestie, an adult you trust or with a mental health professional that can give you the best resources tailored to what you’re going through.
Disclaimer: This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. We are not clinicians or trained professionals; this information should not replace seeking help from a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
