Anxiety
Worry or unease about uncertain outcomes, often with body tension and racing thoughts.
Playbook
Important Concepts Made Easy
Same key information, different formats. Choose the style that helps you understand fastest.
Core Concepts
Mental Wellness Basics
Depression
Persistent low mood, low energy, or loss of interest in activities that used to feel good.
Stress
Your mind-body response to demands; can be mild, moderate, or intense based on load.
Concept Match Activity
Pick the concept this definition describes: "your mind-body response to demands."
Choose an answer to complete this activity.
Evidence Snapshot
What Current U.S. Data Says
These quick numbers come from major public-health organizations and are here to make decisions easier.
Persistent Sadness
39.7%
U.S. high school students who reported persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2023.
Serious Suicide Thoughts
20.4%
U.S. high school students who seriously considered attempting suicide in 2023.
Daily Movement Goal
60m+
CDC guidance for ages 6-17: at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Sleep Target
8-10h
Recommended sleep in a 24-hour period for teens, with better mood and focus support.
Protective Factors to Build
- Stay connected to at least one caring adult and one trusted friend.
- Move your body most days, even in short bursts.
- Protect your sleep schedule, especially during stressful weeks.
- Use coping tools early instead of waiting for stress to spike.
When To Step Up Support
- Stress stays high for multiple days and starts affecting sleep or school.
- You feel shut down, hopeless, or unable to reset with normal tools.
- You notice warning signs in yourself or a friend getting stronger.
- You are unsure if something is "serious enough" to ask for help.
Sources: CDC YRBS 2023 Mental Health Report, CDC Physical Activity Guidance, CDC Sleep and Health, CDC School Connectedness.
Action Commitment
Type one protective factor you will practice this week.
Save one action to complete this activity.
Learning Modes
Switch Tabs to Learn Your Way
Plain Language Summary
- Anxiety often sounds like: "What if this goes wrong?"
- Stress often sounds like: "I have too much at once."
- Depression often sounds like: "I feel flat, heavy, or disconnected for a while."
- When thoughts shift, emotions and actions often shift too.
CBT Triangle Visual
Thoughts
Feelings
Behaviors
Change one node and the others can start to shift.
Real Situation Example
Situation: Upcoming test + social plans.
Thought: "I cannot handle all of this."
Feeling: Overwhelmed and nervous.
Behavior: Avoiding work and doom-scrolling.
Shift: Break tasks into 20-minute blocks and start small.
Audio-Friendly Recap
Use read-aloud for this summary if listening helps you focus.
Open at least one alternate learning mode tab.
Quick Reflection
One-Minute Brain Check
When stress goes up, what is your first warning sign?
Write and save your reflection to complete this activity.