The holidays might look cozy and magical on the outside, but for many teens, the season brings a complicated mix of emotions: pressure, comparison, overstimulation, and the sudden collapse of structure. And unlike younger kids who might simply be excited for presents and time off, teens often carry adult-sized stress without the same tools to handle it.

“Teens look forward to the holidays in theory, but the reality can feel quite different,” says Dr. Pamela Walters, MD and consultant psychiatrist at Eulas Clinics. “School gives them a rhythm and a bit of emotional distance. When that’s not there anymore, tensions at home can feel much more intense.”

How Can You Tell Your Teen Is Struggling?

Holiday stress doesn’t always look like stress, especially in teens, who often feel pressure to k

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