5 min read
When Everything Feels Like Too Much
Stress, pressure, burnout, and what to do when you can't keep up.
A hard week is one thing. Feeling run down for so long that you forgot what rested feels like is another. If you're here, you might be in the second one, and that's okay. Some things can help.
What this can feel like
You wake up tired. There's always something due, something expected, something you're behind on. School, family, a job, friends, and your own feelings can pile up until getting through the week is all you can do.
You might snap at people more. You might stop doing things you used to like. You might feel like everyone else is handling it and you're the only one falling behind. You're not.
This kind of tired is real. It isn't weakness, and pushing harder usually doesn't fix it.
What can help today
You can't do everything. You can do a few things that help.
Pick your top three
When everything feels urgent, it's hard to start anything. Write down the three things stressing you out most right now. Getting them out of your head and onto paper can make them feel a little smaller.
Do one small thing, then rest
Choose the smallest task you could finish in 20 minutes. Do it. Then take a real break before the next thing. Pushing through everything at once usually makes the tired worse.
Protect your sleep
Teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. If you're getting a lot less, everything can feel harder. Try a steady bedtime, and keep your phone out of reach at night.
Say it out loud to someone
You don't have to ask for advice. You can just say, "I'm really stressed." A friend, a parent, or a school counselor can help you feel less alone with it.
Ask for less on your plate
If you're doing too much, something may need to change. That's a good talk to have with a parent or trusted adult. "This is too much for me right now" is a fair thing to say.
Who you can talk to
You don't have to be in a crisis to talk to someone. If you've felt swamped for a while, any of these people can help.
A parent or trusted adult at home: They may not know how much you're carrying. Telling them isn't complaining. It gives them what they need to help.
A school counselor: They can help you sort out what's most stressful. Sometimes they can help lighten the load at school.
A therapist or counselor: If this has gone on a long time, a professional can help you build real strategies for stress, beyond getting through the next few days.
What you could say
It can feel hard to admit you're overwhelmed. Here are real ways to start.
When to get more help
Stress is common. It's time to talk to an adult or a professional if:
- You've felt this way for weeks, not days
- Your sleep, eating, or ability to get through the day has changed
- You've lost interest in things you used to enjoy
- You feel hopeless, not just stressed
- You're using alcohol, vaping, or other things to cope
- You've had thoughts of hurting yourself
If any of these feel true, tell an adult you trust or talk to our team. You can also call or text 988 any time, day or night.
24/7 crisis or emergency needs
If you're past overwhelmed and things feel really dark, you don't have to get through it alone. Call or text 988 any time, or call the Idaho Youth Ranch Emergency Help Line at 208-322-2308.
How Idaho Youth Ranch can help
If stress has been building for a while, Idaho Youth Ranch therapists can help young people ages 9 to 24 build skills for handling it. Talk to our team to get started, or ask a parent, guardian, or school counselor to help.
Emergency shelter at Hays House
Hays House is our emergency shelter in Boise for young people ages 9 to 17 who need a safe place to stay. You can call the help line any time, day or night, or walk in during a crisis.
Call 208-322-2308 (Hays House help line, 24/7)Learn about Hays HouseTalk with a counselor
Want to start counseling or ask about any Idaho Youth Ranch program? Reach out and a team member will follow up with you. You don't need to know which program fits first.
Talk to our teamResidential care
Our residential program serves youth ages 11 to 17. You can call admissions or start an application online. An incomplete application does not disqualify a youth.
Learn about residential careStart an applicationCall admissions: 208-996-2896Safe Place
If you need immediate help and safety, text SAFE and your city, state, or ZIP code to 4HELP (44357). You can also walk into a Safe Place site and tell an employee why you're there. Look for the black-and-yellow diamond sign.
Get help from Safe Place