Stress is a part of life; you cannot avoid it. Throughout life, good and bad things happen. If you know some ways of managing stress well, you are more likely to stay on track. Otherwise, you can get stuck with ways of coping that do not really help and can actually pull you down.
Remember, your teenage years are a time of huge change for you. Your mind and body are changing and developing all the time. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times.
If you are struggling to cope with stuff and you do not feel you have anyone to talk to, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Remember, they have to keep your visit private and cannot tell other people what you talk about. If that feels a bit full-on to start with, you could try one of these free phone counselling lines.
0800 What's Up? – Freephone 0800-942-8787 to speak a counsellor for free or chat online (Monday to Friday, 12 noon to 11 pm, weekends 3 pm to 11 pm).
Youthline – Freephone 0800-37-66-33 (available 24/7) or free txt 234 to speak to a counsellor. Email any time. Counsellors try to respond to emails within 24 hours so if you need help immediately, it is better to phone, txt or use the online chat.
OutLine – Phone the support line on 0800-688-5463 or chat online from 6 pm to 9 pm any evening. Trained volunteers from the LGBTIQ+ communities answer calls. OutLine also offers face-to-face or video counselling. There is a charge for the counselling.
Some websites offering good advice include:
ReachOut – an Australian site that has just about everything you might want to know about.
The Lowdown – A New Zealand site with advice for young people on coping with anxiety and depression.
Depression.org.nz – Stress, relaxation and sleep, http://www.depression.org.nz/contentfiles/media/pdf/stress_relaxation_and_sleep.pdf, retrieved July 2014.