Feeling Stressed, Anxious, or Sad?

By Jessica Zoey Strong

Church Magazines

Here are some things you can do about it.

dial gauge with different colors and facial expressions

The Stress Test

How sad or stressed are you feeling?

If you’re experiencing hopelessness, panic, or long-term depression or anxiety, please seek help by talking to a trusted adult. You could also try some tips in the yellow section (especially the basics!), but sometimes you might need more help, and that’s OK.

If you are feeling suicidal, get help immediately. Contact your local emergency help line, police department, or hospital.

It’s normal to be anxious, sad, or stressed sometimes. These emotions are often triggered by life circumstances and come and go as life changes. Try out some tips that can help!

The Basics

Turn to Heavenly Father. He hears and answers your prayers. He will help you face the challenges that come your way.
Focus on Jesus Christ. “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”¹
Serve others. “As we lose ourselves in the service of others, we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”²
Keep your spirit healthy. Read the scriptures each day, attend the temple when possible, partake of the sacrament, keep your covenants, and repent daily. Ask for priesthood blessings when you need them.
Keep your body healthy. Get enough sleep and exercise, and obey the Word of Wisdom.

If You’re Feeling Anxious

Focus on right now. It doesn’t help to worry about the future or stress about the past. The present moment is the only thing you can really change.
Take time to relax. “It is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (Mosiah 4:27).
Think positively. Negative feelings can be caused by negative thoughts. Thinking positively can help you feel less afraid or anxious.

If You’re Feeling Sad

Know that trials are part of the plan. Experiencing difficult circumstances doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing anything wrong. Trust that Heavenly Father will strengthen you and that your challenges will work together for your good (Doctrine and Covenants 90:24; see also Romans 8:28; Doctrine and Covenants 122:5–9).
Focus on gratitude. Write down things you’re grateful for each day, and be sure to thank Heavenly Father (see Doctrine and Covenants 98:1).
Do things you enjoy. Spend time with friends and family, try a new hobby, listen to uplifting music, or plan a fun activity.

If You Don’t Feel Like You’re Good Enough

Know that you don’t need to be perfect. “Here in mortality perfection is still ‘pending.’”³ Don’t compare yourself to others, in real life or on social media.
Talk kindly to yourself. Be kind to yourself, as you would be to a friend. The Holy Ghost will also talk to you kindly and will never mock or belittle you.
Know that the Savior makes up the difference. Jesus Christ died for our sins and took upon Himself our pains, sicknesses, and infirmities (see Alma 7:11–12). If we are humble, He has promised to “make weak things become strong” (Ether 12:27). We may not be good enough on our own, but we can be good enough with Him.

Conclusion

You will probably have many days when you feel confident and ready to meet life’s challenges. No matter how good you feel, make sure you keep doing the basics.

Pray to Heavenly Father—even when life is easy. Focus on what the Savior has done for you and on His life and teachings—even when things are going well. Then when you do experience difficult emotions, you’ll be better prepared to handle them.