The holiday break can be a mix of relief and stress for teens. While some enjoy the slower pace, others struggle with the sudden change in routine, increased family time, social pressure, or worries about the upcoming school semester. These shifts can intensify emotions that teens may not know how to manage on their own.
Recognizing early signs of stress can help you support your teen before things escalate.
Signs Your Teen May Need Extra Support
-
Noticeable mood changes
If your teen seems more irritable, sad, anxious, or withdrawn, they may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to express it. -
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Sleeping much more or less than usual, staying up late, skipping meals, or overeating can all point to emotional stress. -
Withdrawing from friends or activities
Loss of interest in hobbies or avoidance of social interactions can be a sign of internal struggle. -
Heightened academic worry
Some teens feel stressed about assignments, grades, or the next semester — even during break. -
Increased tension at home
More frequent conflict or quick escalation of small disagreements may signal heavy emotions beneath the surface. -
Signs of burnout
Emotional exhaustion, irritability, or feeling “checked out” during a period meant for rest can indicate burnout.
How You Can Support Your Teen During the Holiday Break
Your presence, consistency, and understanding can help your teen feel more grounded during this emotionally complex time.
1. Create a gentle daily routine
A long break without structure can feel destabilizing. Light routines — consistent sleep, shared meals, small anchors throughout the day — provide stability without overwhelming them.
2. Check in regularly in low-pressure ways
Teens often open up when conversation is organic. Car rides, walks, or cooking together can encourage natural dialogue.
Try asking:
“How has this break been feeling for you?”
“Is anything stressing you out?”
3. Normalize what they’re feeling
Let your teen know it’s okay to feel stressed, sad, frustrated, or confused during the holidays. Validation builds trust.
4. Encourage healthy coping habits
Support activities like journaling, music, creative projects, outdoor time, exercise, or mindfulness. Small, consistent habits can be grounding.
5. Help them balance rest and responsibilities
Some teens need permission to rest. Others feel overwhelmed thinking about school. Work together to balance downtime with gentle preparation.
6. Watch for signs of overwhelm
Increased withdrawal, emotional intensity, or major behavior changes may indicate deeper struggles.
7. Model healthy coping and boundaries
Communicating your own stress in healthy ways helps your teen learn by observing you.
8. Consider professional support
Therapy can provide a safe space to process emotions, learn skills, and build resilience. Even a session or two during break can set teens up for a smoother school transition.
We’re Here to Support Teens and Families
At Campbell Teen & Family Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping teens and their families navigate emotional challenges with compassion and evidence-based care.
We offer:
-
Individual therapy for teens
-
Family therapy
-
A weekly DBT skills group for teens
-
A virtual DBT skills group for parents
-
Bilingual therapy in Spanish and Japanese
-
Telehealth services throughout California
You don’t have to face this alone — and neither does your teen.
If your teen is feeling overwhelmed this holiday season, we can help them find calm, confidence, and balance.
📞 (408) 628-0532
📧 admin@campbellteenfamilytherapy.com
Together, we can help your teen feel supported, grounded, and resilient heading into the new year.
Leave a Review for Campbell Teen & Family Therapy!
