How Giving Yourself a Break Can Improve Your Mental Health

Written By: Aletta

As a teenager, I never realized how much stress could impact my mental health until I missed the last month of 8th grade. I felt overwhelmed by school, social life, and family problems. I didn’t realize how stressed and overworked I was until it all suddenly came out. The truth is, feeling hurt is a universal fear, but it’s something we have to feel in order to heal. Keeping those feelings hidden only made things worse as I was doing more harm than good.

Why Teenagers Need to Prioritize Mental Health

As teenagers, we are new to this world. We shouldn’t be expected to know everything or to be the “Perfect Student” or “Perfect Child.” But here’s the thing: growing up means making mistakes, and that’s okay. It’s a natural part of the process, and it doesn’t mean we’re failing. What we really need is someone to trust who can guide us.

Therapy Helped Me Process My Emotions

I’ve been in therapy for three years now, and I’ve grown so much as a result. I’ve learned how to process all the negative things in my life and turn them into positives. As I grew up, I realized how much pressure I put on myself and how that impacted my mental health. I wanted to be the best, but I didn’t allow myself time to rest. The most important lesson I’ve learned is how important rest and self-care are for my mental health. You will never grow if you don’t give yourself grace and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

The Importance of Giving Yourself Grace

Give yourself a break because your well-being is more important than pleasing others. I’ve learned that life isn’t about being the best; it’s about treating yourself the best. Give that same energy, care, and time to yourself that you give to others.

Embrace Self-Care: Why It’s Essential for Mental Health

Life can be stressful, but you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. There is good in the world, and by taking care of yourself, you’ll be in a better place to see it.

This blog post was written by a local teen as part of our new series featuring Teen Voices in the El Segundo and South Bay area of Los Angeles. Prioritize your mental health, and know that it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. The best thing you can do for yourself is to give yourself a break and practice self-love.