Why Thanksgiving Can Be Hard for Teens & How Teen Therapy in Katy, TX Can Help
- Jason Drake, LCSW, BCN Associate Fellow, EMDR Trained
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Thanksgiving is supposed to be a happy time full of food, family, and fun. But for many teenagers, it can feel stressful and lonely. If you are a teen dealing with teen anxiety or teen depression, the holidays can make those feelings even worse. You are not alone, and there is help available.
Reasons Teens May Feel Anxiety or Depression During Thanksgiving
Family Pressure and Expectations
Big family gatherings can feel overwhelming. Teens might worry about how they look, what to say, or if relatives will ask about grades, college, or future plans. These questions can trigger teen anxiety and make a teen feel judged.
Comparing Themselves to Others
Thanksgiving often means seeing cousins or family members who seem to “have it all together.” Social media makes this worse because everyone posts perfect holiday pictures. This comparison can feed teen depression and lower self-esteem.
Changes in Routine
School breaks change sleep schedules, eating habits, and daily structure. For teens who already struggle with teen anxiety, losing that routine can make them feel out of control and more worried.
Missing Friends or Feeling Left Out
While adults catch up, teens might feel bored or left out. If friends are traveling or busy, a teen can feel isolated, which can deepen teen depression.
Family Conflicts
Old arguments or tension between parents, siblings, or relatives can flare up during the holidays. Witnessing or being part of these fights adds stress and can worsen both teen anxiety and teen depression.
How Teen Counseling Can Help During the Holidays
Seeing a counselor for teenagers near me who understands teens can make a big difference. At Katy Teen & Family Counseling in Katy, Texas, our counselors specialize in teen counseling. They know exactly what teens go through during stressful times like Thanksgiving.
You Get a Safe Place to Talk
A counselor listens without judging. You can share worries about family, friends, school, or anything else. Talking out loud helps lower teen anxiety and stops negative thoughts from growing.
Learn Real Coping Skills
Counselors teach simple tools like breathing exercises, journaling, or ways to set boundaries with family. These skills help manage teen anxiety right when things feel overwhelming at the dinner table.
Feel Understood and Less Alone
Teen depression can make you feel like no one gets it. A counselor who works with teens every day shows you that your feelings are normal and that many other teens feel the same way. A teen counselor can also help you with skills and tools to manage the low moods to help improve your mood.
Get Help Before Things Get Worse
The holidays can be a trigger, but starting teen counseling now can stop small problems from becoming bigger ones. Early help leads to faster and better results.
If Thanksgiving feels hard this year, know that it’s okay to ask for support. Searching for “counselor for teenagers near me” or reaching out to Katy Teen & Family Counseling in Katy, Texas can be the first step toward feeling better.
Teen counseling works, and you deserve to enjoy the holidays instead of just surviving them. You don’t have to face teen anxiety or teen depression alone—help is closer than you think.
Taking the First Step
If your teen is struggling, contact us today for the support, coaching, and guidance that can make all the difference for your teen. Counseling for teens at Katy Teen & Family Counseling offers personalized plans. Contact a teen counselor today.
To begin your counseling journey at Katy Teen & Family Counseling, follow these simple steps:
Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling to schedule an appointment.
Meet with one of our counseling specialists for an initial session.
Begin the path towards removing barriers and achieving a fulfilling life.
Other Therapy and Counseling Services Offered at Katy Teen & Family Counseling
At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, some of the other counseling approaches we offer are below:
Board Certified Neurofeedback Therapy
Peak performance (optimal academic brain performance)
Peak performance (optimal athletic brain performance)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
Group Therapy for Teens
Body Image
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
About the Author
Jason Drake is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Associate Fellow & Board Certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR trained, and a Certified Brain Health Professional through the Amen Clinics.
He has provided therapy to teens, young adults, and families since 2003 and is the Owner & Lead Clinician at Katy Counseling for Men, & Katy Teen & Family Counseling.
He specializes in leading teams of high performing therapists who also specialize in teen therapy, counseling young adults, and family counseling.
Jason is also a leader in the field of teen, young adult, and family counseling and has provided expert coaching and technical assistance to teen Residential Treatment Centers across the country.
Jason is also a regular contributor to various magazines and publications lending his expertise to various mental health related topics. You can check these articles out on our "Featured Articles" service page on our website.
He has also been a guest on Fox 26 Houston and on the podcasts, "Grow a Group Practice" with Alison Pidgeon, "Let's Talk With Jennifer B", and the "Marketing Matters" podcast with Ashley Brock.
If you are ready to start couples therapy or marriage counseling, call, text, or email us today!
Phone Number: 281-519-6364
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