DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a 16-year-old sister who is currently facing the challenges of being a high school student. With the pressure to excel academically and socially, she often feels overwhelmed and stressed, striving to meet the high expectations set by herself and others. I’ve noticed that this stress sometimes manifests as anxiety and mood swings, which can be difficult for her to manage. What can we possibly do to help her so that she doesn't feel stressed out in school and in life? -- Academic Anxieties
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DEAR ACADEMIC ANXIETIES: If there is a school counselor with whom she can talk, that would be great. Being able to express her fears and concerns to a neutral party can help her understand her feelings and manage them. Your parents may also want to get her a private therapist who can support her during this time. What’s key is having a professional she can trust to help her navigate what she’s experiencing.
Another great stress reducer is physical activity. What does she do to exercise her body? As her sister, perhaps you can invite her to do something active together, or encourage her to join a club at her school like a walking or running group, cheering or anything that gets her body moving.