For many teens, school is about much more than classes and homework. It is also where they manage friendships, social pressure, identity development, extracurricular demands, future planning, and the pressure to perform. On the outside, a teen may look like they are keeping up. On the inside, they may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or emotionally checked out.
Sleep and anxiety are closely connected. When anxiety is high, sleep often becomes more difficult. And when sleep is disrupted, anxiety tends to feel even worse the next day. For many people, this creates a frustrating cycle that can be hard to break.
College is often described as one of the most exciting and transformative periods of life. It’s a time for learning, independence, new friendships, and discovering who you are.
Overwhelm can affect anyone. Sometimes it builds slowly over time, and sometimes it hits all at once after a stressful event, major life change, or prolonged period of pressure.