Sheela Raja - The resilient teen : 10 key skills to bounce back from setbacks & turn stress into success

Sheela Raja writes with brilliant simplicity. The Resilient Teen is relatable and provides the reader with practical, manageable, and realistic steps. Raja joins with the reader in ways that promote individual hope and universal compassion. The message is loud and clear: being resilient is possible and The Resilient Teen lets us know how.

Susan A. Green, LCSW , clinical professor, and codirector of The Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work

Using research and engaging stories, The Resilient Teen offers relevant, straightforward information about physical and emotional health. It provides practical guidance for managing sleep, stress, and difficult emotions, and tips for developing mindfulness, healthy habits, and social connections. The chapter on cognitive flexibility and realistic optimism, skills that can help transform difficult situations and lead to growth after hardship, make this book especially valuable and timely (for both adults and teens).

Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH , clinical advisor for California Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Aware Initiative, and medical director (retired) at Kaiser Permanente Family Violence Prevention Program

Sheela Raja has crafted a timely, practical, and substantive resourcenot only for teens who are experiencing distress and adversity, but also for those who are seeking emotional well-being skills. It is developmentally appropriate, accessible, engaging, and beautifully written. Parents and professionals looking for an exceptional resource to promote resilience and adaptive functioning in teens will be thrilled with Rajas latest offeringarguably her best book to date.

Matt Gray, PhD , professor of psychology at the University of Wyoming, trained at the National Center for PTSD, specializing in trauma

This book is a gift to youth and for youth during a precarious time. When thoughts, emotions, and body sensations are in flux, a compassionate and stabilizing voice can ring like a bell of clarity to reach and heal the hurt. Speaking directly to teens and young adults, Raja provides practical skills to navigate the world, build resilience, and grow to lead a meaningful life. A pragmatic and insightful read!

Roxana Cruz, MD, FACP , director of medical and clinical affairs at the Texas Association of Community Health Centers, working with underserved and vulnerable populations

If youre a teenager facing challenges of any kind, do a kind thing for yourself and download this book. Raja guides you toward bouncing back by asking gentle yet thought-provoking questions. The great mix of stories, science, and bite-sized, actionable steps makes it a nourishing read. But, as a longtime college counselor, I love that while you learn more about becoming resilient, youll also learn more about yourself.

Arun Poonusamy , chief academic officer of Collegewise, and host of the Get Wise podcast

Sheela Raja has written an important book that helps teens develop critical skills toward holistic emotional wellness. Raja offers clear definitions, relatable examples, and practical advice and strategies. Psychotherapists, youth workers, and teachers can use this as a guide in their work with individual teens and groups. I can see parents and teens using this book to foster rich mealtime dialogue while learning together.

Cynthia Lubin Langtiw, PsyD , professor in the clinical PsyD program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago Campus

Todays teens need resilience now more than ever. As everyone is grappling with questions about social justice and issues of public health, once again, Raja creates a clear, compassionate, and actionable plan for the adolescent. The Resilient Teen is filled with practical tips and tools to which teenagers will readily be able to relate. By normalizing the existence of stressors for everyone, Raja promotes thoughtful ideas for improved well-being and enhanced resilience. So logical and empathetic in her approach, Raja again demonstrates why she is a leader in the field of teen trauma and resilience. These will be valuable life lessons for the reader to take into adulthood!

Shairi R. Turner, MD, MPH , chief transformation officer at Crisis Text Line; and CEO of Shairi Turner MD Coaching and Consulting, LLC

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

INSTANT HELP, the Clock Logo, and NEW HARBINGER are trademarks of New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Distributed in Canada by Raincoast Books

Copyright 2021 by Sheela Raja

Instant Help Books

An imprint of New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

5674 Shattuck Avenue

Oakland, CA 94609

www.newharbinger.com

Cover design by Amy Shoup; Acquired by Tesilya Hanauer; Edited by Marisa Solis

All Rights Reserved

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Raja, Sheela, author.

Title: The resilient teen : 10 key skills to bounce back from setbacks and turn stress into success / Sheela Raja, PhD.

Description: Oakland : New Harbinger Publications, 2021. | Series: The instant help solutions series | Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2020045385 (print) | LCCN 2020045386 (ebook) | ISBN 9781684035786 (trade paperback) | ISBN 9781684035793 (pdf) | ISBN 9781684035809 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: Resilience (Personality trait) in adolescence--Juvenile literature. | Emotions--Juvenile literature. | Self-help techniques--Juvenile literature.

Classification: LCC BF724.3.R47 R35 2021 (print) | LCC BF724.3.R47 (ebook) | DDC 155.5/1824--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020045385

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020045386

For all the amazing teenagers, and for two very special teenagers in my lifeLeila and Jaya

Contents

Introduction

Thank you for picking up this book! There might be lots of reasons that youre thinking of reading a book on resilience. Maybe youre struggling with schoolwork, social pressures, or relationships, or you worry a lot about how uncertain the future might feel. Or maybe youve experienced something really difficult like discrimination or some kind of violence in your life, and youre trying to find ways to survive and thrive. Maybe you feel like you are doing okay right now, but you want to find ways to feel happier and more relaxed, have better relationships with your friends and family, and feel more energetic and motivated.

Stressors , or the things that cause you to be stressed out, are an unavoidable part of life. Obstacles never stop coming!

But wait, you may be thinking, lots of people seem to have their act together! Why cant I get my life together? Scientists have asked this same question, and theyve identified many skills that can help you deal with stress and setbacks. And thats what this book is about: teaching you how to become more resilient.

Resilience skills can help you enjoy the good times and learn how to cope with the stressful times. They will help you feel motivated, energized, and connected, and they help you create a life you truly love. They can give you the strength you need to form deeper relationships, get more involved in your community, and help make the world a better place.