OCCUPATIONAL SUPPORT

Well-being: Managing Stress & Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, especially during adolescence, when young people are navigating social, emotional and hormonal changes. These experiences can sometimes affect participation at school, social connections and home life.

This is where Occupational Therapists can help. OTs focus on supporting students to engage in the things they want, need, or are expected to do, all of which contribute to overall well-being. 

Everyone manages stress differently. Some students feel calm through quiet, grounding activities such as drawing, meditation, or yoga, while others regulate best through movement like sport, walking, or stretching. Understanding what helps your child feel balanced is key to supporting them through stressful moments and enabling them to participate fully in school, hobbies, and home life.

Common signs of stress or anxiety include:

• Trouble concentrating or staying organised
• Withdrawing from friends or activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Irritability or restlessness

• Physical signs (headaches, stomach aches, fidgeting)

   

At home, you can support your teen’s well-being by:

• Maintaining consistent routines and healthy sleep habits: Steady wake and bedtimes, a calming bedtime routine, and limiting devices in bedrooms help teens manage daily occupations and energy.
• Encouraging screen-free downtime and outdoor activity: Even a short walk, kicking the footy, or cooking together allows your teen to engage in meaningful activities that promote emotional regulation.
• Making time for family connection and open conversations: share highs and lows of the day, and enjoy relaxed moments together, like cooking or watching a movie.

• Supporting a healthy balance between schoolwork, hobbies and rest: Using a weekly planner can help structure daily occupations and ensure they have time for responsibilities, recreation, and self-care. 

   

Sometimes the simplest routines and smallest changes can make the biggest difference in helping your teen feel balanced, calm, and ready to engage fully at school, at home, and in their social life. 

The school has a great Wellbeing team that can provide short-term intervention and support. Parents can speak to the Year Level Manager to discuss a referral.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/: We recommend this great website, which provides evidence-based information and practical tips to help support your child’s well-being.

You can also visit headspace.org.au for information, resources, and access to youth mental health services including free counselling and online support.