Mind

Articles In This Section

• Coming Out

  Coming out (or not) is a personal choice that depends on you and your situation. Learn more in this article for teens.

• My Friend Is Lesbian But Doesn’t Want to Tell People. What Should I Say to Friends?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Self-Esteem

  Self-esteem helps us have good relationships, gives us the confidence to try new things, and helps us succeed. But low self-esteem can hold us back. Get the facts on self-esteem in this article for teens.

• Be Your Best Self

  What makes people happy? How can you boost your own happiness? This site has information and activities based on the science of positive psychology to help you succeed, make a difference, handle difficult emotions, and build good relationship skills.

• Confidence: A Worksheet

  You don't have to be born confident: Confidence is something you can build. Not sure where to start? Try these exercises.

• How to Live a Happy Life

  Research shows that just 10% of happiness depends on a person's situation. We actually have more control over happiness than we might think. Find out how.

• Confidence

  Confidence means believing in yourself and in your abilities – not in an arrogant way, but in a realistic, secure way.

• ADHD: Tips to Try

  There's no quick fix for ADHD. But taking medicine and working with counselors can help. So can these tips for handling school and relationships.

• Managing Your Emotional Reactions

  People who do a good job of managing emotions know that it's healthy to express their feelings, but that it matters how they express them. Get tips in this article for teens.

• I Tell My Aunt More Than I Tell My Parents. Is That a Problem?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Help Your Parents Get Healthy

  Lots of you say your parents aren't too good at making changes to become healthier. So what can you do to help them along? Here are some tips on getting parents to make a change.

• Relaxation Exercise: Loving Kindness Meditation

  This meditation helps us feel connected to and grateful for the people in our lives. Listen as we guide you through this meditation.

• Relaxation Exercises: Breathing Basics

  Breathing exercises help us slow down and relax. Let our audio recordings coach you through 3 simple breathing exercises: finger-count breathing, smiling breath, and belly breathing.

• What Can I Say When Friends Use Anti-Gay Language?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Good Reasons to Smile

  Smiling on purpose benefits brain chemistry – and can boost our mood. But it only works if you smile in the right way. Find out how in this article for teens.

• A Friend Keeps Asking Me to Do Sexual Stuff. How Do I Make Him Stop?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Dwarfism: Emily’s Story (Video)

  Emily was adopted from Russia, where she was born with a type of dwarfism. In this video, she talks about her life philosophy and how she overcame the many hurdles she faced.

• Positive Emotions: A Worksheet

  Positivity is fun to practice – as well as a great way to learn more about yourself. This worksheet is designed to help you explore 10 common positive emotions.

• 3 Ways to Increase Positive Emotions

  People feel and do their best when they experience at least 3 times as many positive emotions as negative ones. This article offers ideas on how to build these powerful emotions.

• The Power of Positive Emotions

  Scientists are learning that positive emotions have a powerful effect on our brains and bodies, helping us feel, and act, our best. Let this article help you tap into the power of positive emotions.

• Gratitude: A Worksheet

  Feeling grateful for what we have (instead of obsessing about what we don't) can help us get more out of life. This worksheet is designed to get you thinking about gratitude.

• 3 Ways to Practice Gratitude

  Gratitude doesn't just feel good, it can be good for you. These 3 steps can help you start feeling more appreciative of the good things in your life.

• Getting Help for Intense Grief

  Going through grief and loss is never easy. But in some situations, grief can feel especially intense – even overwhelming. Find out what to do in this article for teens.

• 5 Ways to Cope When a Loved One Dies

  We all face grief at some point. Here are 5 ideas that might help you cope when someone you love has died.

• Optimism

  Optimists see the good in things -- and science has discovered that optimists can do better in life. The good news is, even pessimists can be more optimistic. Find out how.

• Understanding Other People

  Being able to predict how other people might feel, act, or react is a skill that helps us build better relationships. These tips can help you develop the skill of understanding others.

• Choosing Your Mood

  Choosing your mood means being in control of it instead of feeling like it's controlling you. Here are tips on how to create the right mood to help you succeed at what you're trying to do.

• 5 Ways to Be More Aware of Your Emotions

  Emotional awareness (knowing what we feel and why) helps us learn about ourselves and build good relationships. Here are 5 ways to get more in touch with your emotions.

• Understanding Your Emotions

  Emotions help us relate to other people, know what we want, and make choices. Even "negative" emotions are useful. Find out how to understand emotions and use them effectively.

• Teens Talk About Life (Video)

  In this video series, teens talk about their experiences with bullying, stress, family life, managing health problems, staying fit, eating right — and what it means to be in love.

• Teens Talk About Family (Video)

  In this video, teens talk about living with parents and siblings -- the things they argue about and how they get along.

• Teens Talk About Love (Video)

  In this video, teens talk about dating, relationships and breakups -- including their parents as role models and dealing with divorce.

• Apologizing

  We all mess up at times. An apology tells someone that we're sorry for the hurt we caused — even if we didn't do it on purpose. But does an apology fix everything? And how should you handle it if someone apologizes to you? Find out here.

• Emotional Intelligence

  Just as IQ is a way of being academically smart, emotional intelligence (EQ) is a way of being people-smart. But unlike IQ, we can work on improving our EQ. Here are some tips.

• Should I Fight a Bully?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Therapy and Weight Management

  Losing weight can feel like a challenge, no matter how much we want it. It can sometimes seem like our minds are working against us. That's where weight-management counselors can help.

• I Helped Spread a Rumor. What Should I Do?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• What If a Parent Won’t Stop Texting While Driving?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Is It OK to Talk to a Teacher About Personal Problems?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Assertiveness

  Assertiveness is the ability to speak up for yourself in a way that is honest and respectful. But it doesn't come naturally to everyone. Find out if you're too passive, too aggressive, or just assertive enough.

• When Depression Is Severe

  Severe depression can cloud a person's thinking and lead some people to think that life isn't worth living. But severe depression can be treated. Find out what to do and how to get help in this article for teens.

• Is My Body OK? Am I Having Self-Esteem Issues?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Gratitude

  Gratitude doesn't just feel good. Focusing on what's good in our lives can also be good for us. Find out how in this article for teens.

• Why Do People Get Depressed?

  There's no one reason why people get depressed - many different things can play a role. Find out more about the things that can trigger depression.

• Am I Depressed or Just Not Trying?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Losing Weight: Brandon’s Story (Video)

  Brandon, 17, has lost 70 pounds through better eating and exercise. In this video he talks about what inspired him and how he stayed on track.

• How to Break Up Respectfully

  Breaking up means having an awkward or difficult conversation. Here are some ideas on what to say and how to say it - and why it's best to break up in person.

• Should I Send My Boyfriend Naked Pictures?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Welcome Home Yoga (Video)

  Unwind after a long day at school with this yoga routine for teens.

• I Bullied Someone. How Can I Apologize?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Sexual Harassment and Sexual Bullying

  Just like other kinds of bullying, sexual bullying is intended to hurt, offend, or intimidate another person. Find out how to recognize sexual bullying and harassment and what to do.

• What Should I Do if My Friend Is Having an Asthma Attack?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Someone Is Spreading Rumors About Me. What Can I Do?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• I Hurt My Friends’ Feelings. What Should I Do?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Gambling Addiction

  It might seem like gambling is a harmless pastime, but it can easily become a problem that affects not just the gambler, but that person's family and friends as well.

• Asking for Help: Getting Past Obstacles

  Sometimes our ideas and beliefs stand in the way of asking for help. Here are ideas for teens on how to get past 5 common barriers to getting help.

• Stress & Coping Center

  Visit our stress and coping center for advice on how to handle stress, including different stressful situations.

• Transgender People

  People who are transgender feel like they're living inside a body that's all wrong for them. Find out what it means to be transgender in this article for teens.

• Yoga: Meditation and Breathing

  Breathing and meditation techniques can have subtle but powerful effects on everything from stress to sports performance. Try these four techniques.

• Yoga for Stress Relief

  Yoga can help reduce stress because it promotes relaxation, which is the natural opposite of stress. These tips for teens can help you tap into yoga's stress-reducing benefits.

• Finding Low-Cost Mental Health Care

  If you need mental health care but don't think you can afford it, you're not alone. Get tips on finding low-cost or free mental health care in this article for teens.

• I Think I Have OCD. What Should I Do?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Rejection and How to Handle It

  Rejection hurts. But it's impossible to avoid. Life is about going for things. And when we do, rejection is always a possibility.

• Emotional Eating

  We've all eaten a whole bag of chips out of boredom or while cramming for a big test. Learn more about emotional eating, and how to manage it, in this article for teens.

• Vitiligo

  Vitiligo is a loss of skin pigment that causes white spots or patches to appear on the skin. It's not medically dangerous, but it can affect a person's appearance. Find out more.

• 5 Ways to (Respectfully) Disagree

  These 5 tips can help you disagree with someone in a constructive way - without losing it or shying away from how you feel.

• My Friend Has Sickle Cell Disease. How Can I Help?

  People with sickle cell disease need good friends who understand and can help them get through tough times. This article for teens helps you learn what you can do to be that friend.

• 5 Ways to Get Drivers to Stop Texting

  If a texting driver is making you nervous but you're not sure how to bring the topic up, here are some ideas.

• Telling Parents You’re Pregnant

  If you just learned you're pregnant, you're not alone. You probably wonder how to tell your parents and how they'll react. Read our article for some tips.

• My Friend Has HIV. How Can I Help?

  People who have HIV might feel alone and frightened at times. More than anyone, they need good friends like you to lean on and trust.

• My Friend Has Diabetes. How Can I Help?

  Sure, you've heard of diabetes. But how much do you really know about what it's like to have it? Read our tips on helping a friend with diabetes.

• Talking to Parents About Depression

  If you feel depressed, you need to reach out for help and support. Read our tips for teens on talking to parents about depression.

• When a Sibling Is Seriously Ill

  When your sibling has a serious illness, you may find yourself juggling some pretty intense and confusing emotions. Here are some ways to take care of yourself during this stressful time.

• 5 Ways to Beat Pre-performance Nerves

  Stressed out about speaking or performing in front of people? These tips can help you cope.

• When Cancer Keeps You Home

  Cancer patients often have to stay at home to avoid infection. Read our ideas on ways to make the best of your time at home.

• Family Money Troubles

  Stressed out by your parents' money worries? Check out our tips for handling tough times.

• What Can I Say to a Friend Who’s Having Unprotected Sex?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Protecting Your Online Identity and Reputation

  The virtual world is full of opportunities to interact with people around the world. It's also a place where nothing is temporary and there are no "take-backs." Here are some tips for safeguarding your online identity.

• Dealing With Feelings When You’re Overweight

  If a person is struggling with extra weight, it can add to the emotional ups and downs of being a teen. Get some tips on coping here.

• My Friend Has a Food Allergy. How Can I Help?

  Although food allergies are more common than ever, people who have them may feel different or embarrassed. A good friend can really help.

• 5 Ways to Deal With Anxiety

  We all get worried or nervous about things. Here are 5 ways to control anxiety.

• 5 Ways to Shake Shyness

  If shyness is putting a hold on your social life, here are 5 ideas that might help.

• 5 Ways to Fight Depression

  It's important to take action against depression - it doesn't just go away on its own. In addition to getting professional help, here are 5 ways to feel better.

• Teens Talk About Cutting

  We get lots of emails about our cutting articles. Because many of our readers' suggestions and comments are so helpful, we decided to put a few on our site.

• Your Thoughts on Falling in Love

  More than 5,700 visitors took our survey on falling in love. Here's what you told us.

• Love and Romance

  Loving and being loved adds richness to our lives. When people feel close to others they are happier and even healthier. But what makes a good relationship? Find out here.

• A Guy’s Guide to Body Image

  Many people think of guys as being carefree when it comes to appearance. But guys spend plenty of time in front of the mirror. And some worry just as much as girls do about their looks.

• I Started Cutting Again. How Can I Stop?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Anxiety: Rachel’s Story

  Rachel developed an anxiety disorder during her junior and year of high school. Today she's in college and enjoying life. Read her story.

• Sexual Attraction and Orientation

  Both guys and girls often find themselves having sexual thoughts and attractions. For some, these feelings and thoughts can be intense — and even confusing.

• When Parents Argue

  Sometimes parents stay levelheaded when they disagree, and they allow each other a chance to listen and to talk. But many times when parents disagree, they argue. Here's how to deal with it.

• Culture Shock

  Culture shock isn't a clinical term or medical condition. It's simply a common way to describe the confusing and nervous feelings a person may have after leaving a familiar culture to live in a new and different culture.

• How Can I Stop Cutting?

  If you've been cutting and you want to stop, here are some approaches that might help you.

• Help! Is This My Body?

  Your body's changing - and if you've ever felt out of step with it, you're not alone. Find out how to deal with body changes and feelings in this article.

• What It Means to Be a Friend

  Thousands of you filled out our friendship survey. Find out what some of you said about being a good friend.

• Coping With Cliques

  Are you on the outside looking in or the inside wanting out? Find out how to deal with cliques in this article for teens.

• Peer Pressure

  Responding to peer pressure is part of human nature — but some people are more likely to give in, and others are better able to resist and stand their ground. Find out how to make the right choices for you.

• Bipolar Disorder

  Bipolar disorders are one of several medical conditions called depressive disorders that affect the way a person's brain functions. Find out more about bipolar disorder.

• How Can I Help a Friend Who Cuts?

  Some people cope by cutting themselves. This article helps friends understand why people cut and gives some tips on what you can to help your friend — and yourself.

• My Pet Died. How Can I Feel Better?

  Even if you're having a bad day, you don't feel popular, or you're having trouble at school, your pet loves you. So losing a pet can be heartbreaking. This article outlines some ways to cope.

• Depression

  Depression is very common. For more information about depression and feeling better, check out this article.

• Test Anxiety

  Everyone feels a little nervous and stressed before a test. And a touch of nervous anticipation can actually help keep you at peak performance. But for some people, this normal anxiety is more intense.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder

  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that affects some people and appears at the same time each year.

• Having a Healthy Pregnancy

  Whether you feel confused, worried, scared, or excited, you'll want to know how your life will change, what you can do to have a healthy baby.

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  Sometimes after experiencing a traumatic event, a person has a strong and lingering reaction known as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Getting treatment and support can make all the difference.

• Homesickness

  When you're homesick, you might feel nostalgic for familiar things like your family, friends, pets, house, or neighborhood. Learn more about homesickness and what you can do about it.

• Terrorism

  Terrorist attacks cause sadness, fear, anxiety, and anger. Find out how to cope.

• Trichotillomania

  Trichotillomania is a type of psychological condition that involves strong urges to pull hair. What causes it and how do people overcome it? Find out in this article.

• Getting Over a Break-Up

  If you're trying to get over a break-up, you're not alone. Just about everyone experiences the type of grief we call heartbreak at one time or another.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

  Everyone feels anxiety, fear, or worry at some time - it's normal to worry about school, your friends, your appearance, and tons of other stuff. But for teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), these feelings are taken to extremes.

• Social Phobia

  It's natural to feel self-conscious, nervous, or shy sometimes. But for some people, the anxiety that goes with feeling shy or self-conscious can be extreme, and it can take over their lives. Get the facts on social phobia here.

• Abuse

  Abuse can take many forms. This article talks about recognizing abuse, its effects, and what someone who is being abused can do.

• Coping With an Alcoholic Parent

  Alcoholism causes anguish not only for the person who drinks, but for everyone who is involved with that person. But there are things you can do to help cope with the problems alcoholism creates in families.

• I Think I May Have a Drinking/Drug Problem. What Should I Do?

  Find out what the experts have to say.

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder

  For some people, worries about appearance become extreme and upsetting, interfering with their lives, a condition called body dysmorphic disorder.

• Binge Eating Disorder

  Binge eating is a type of eating disorder. This article for teens explains what it is, how to recognize it, and how to get help.

• Fears and Phobias

  Fear is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it. Get the facts about fears and phobias and what causes them.

• Going to a Therapist

  Getting help with emotions or stress is the same as getting help with a medical problem like asthma or diabetes. This article explains how therapy works and how it can help with problems.

• Adoption

  It's natural for any adopted person, child or adult, to have complex feelings about being adopted. Find out more about the emotions and other issues adopted teens face.

• Anxiety Disorders

  Anxiety is a natural part of life, and most of us experience it from time to time. But for some people, anxiety can be extreme.

• My Friend Is Talking About Suicide. What Should I Do?

  Have you heard that people who talk about suicide won't go through with it? That's not true. Read this article to learn some of the other warning signs that a person is considering suicide.

• Stepparents

  Because everyone's situation is different, there are no easy answers to accepting a stepparent. But here are some ideas to help you deal.

• How Can I Improve My Self-Esteem?

  We all have problems with self-esteem at certain times in our lives. Here are some tips that might help.

• Plastic Surgery

  Lots of images may come to mind when you think of plastic surgery. This special type of surgery involves a person's appearance and ability to function.

• Rape

  Rape is forced, unwanted sexual intercourse. Rape is about power, not sex. Both men and women of any age can be raped. Find out what you can do and how to take care of yourself after a rape.

• Am I in a Healthy Relationship?

  Does your boyfriend or girlfriend treat you as well as you treat him or her? Does your BF or GF support you in good times as well as bad? Does he or she get who you really are? Find out if you're in a healthy relationship.

• Cutting

  It can be hard to understand, but people who cut themselves sometimes do it because it actually makes them feel better. They are overflowing with emotions - like sadness, depression, or anger - that they have trouble expressing.

• Dealing With Divorce

  If you're dealing with your parents' divorce, it may seem hard, but it is possible to cope and have a good family life in spite of the changes divorce can bring.

• Death and Grief

  If someone close to you has died, you probably feel overwhelmed with grief. Read about some things that might help you cope.

• The Moving Blues

  It isn't easy to start over. Read this article to learn some ways to cope with the stress of moving.

• Why Am I in Such a Bad Mood?

  Because of all the changes taking place in your life, you may feel like you're on an emotional roller coaster. Find out more about bad moods and why you have them.

• Shoplifting

  Shoplifting can be a lot more serious than people realize. Read this article to understand more about it and how to help yourself or a friend to stop.

• Dealing With Addiction

  Find out what you can do if you think you or a friend has a drug or alcohol addiction - from recognizing the warning signs to suggestions to help you stay clean.

• Abusive Relationships

  Abuse has no place in love. Read this article to find out how to recognize the signs of abuse and how you can get help.

• Date Rape

  About half of people who have been raped know the person who attacked them. This article explains what date rape is, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you've been raped.

• Why Do I Fight With My Parents So Much?

  Part of being a teen is developing your own identity -one that is separate from the identities of your parents. Read about why you and your parents seem to be constantly at odds.

• Virginity: A Very Personal Decision

  Deciding whether it's right for you to have sex is one of the most important decisions you'll ever have to make. Each person must use his or her own judgment and decide if it's the right time - and the right person.

• Dealing With Bullying

  Bullying has everyone worried, not just the people on its receiving end. Learn about dealing with bullies, including tips on how to stand up for yourself or a friend.

• Eating Disorders

  Eating disorders are so common in America that 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will struggle with one. Find out more.

• Talking to Your Parents – or Other Adults

  Whether it's an everyday issue like schoolwork or an emergency situation, these tips can help you improve communications with your parents and other adults.

• Suicide

  We all feel overwhelmed by difficult emotions or situations sometimes. If someone is seriously depressed, suicidal thinking is a real concern. Here are warning signs and ways to get help.

• Stress

  There's good stress and bad stress. Find out what's what and learn practical ways to cope in this article.

• Body Image and Self-Esteem

  When your body changes, so can your image of yourself. Find out how your body image affects your self-esteem and what you can do.

• Shyness

  Shyness is extremely common, especially among teens. But lots of mild to moderate shyness melts away with practice and familiarity, making social situations easier and easier to handle each time.

• My Friend Is Talking About Running Away: What Should I Do?

  Do you know someone who is having major problems? No matter how bad things get, running away is never a solution. Find out how to help your friend.

• Dealing With Anger

  Do you wonder why you fly off the handle so easily sometimes? Do you wish you knew healthier ways to express yourself when you're steamed? Check out this article for help with dealing with anger.

• I Think My Friend May Have an Eating Disorder. What Should I Do?

  Sometimes, normal body-image concerns cross the line and become eating disorders. Here's how to help if your friend might have a problem.

• Dealing With a Health Condition

  If you suffer from a chronic illness, you know it can be anything but fun. But you can become better informed and more involved in your care. Here are tips to help you deal.