Practical Tools for Tough Emotions: Helping Youth (and Ourselves) Cope
We all feel them—those tough emotions that sneak in during stressful days or show up unexpectedly in moments we least expect. For prevention professionals, educators, and parents, it’s not just about managing our own emotions—it’s also about helping the youth we serve navigate theirs.
The challenge? Most of us were never really taught how.
That’s why in this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, I sat down with award-winning teen mental health speaker and bestselling author Brittany Richmond. Together, we unpacked real, practical tools for naming, understanding, and working through emotions—without adding more “to-do’s” to your day.
Why Naming Emotions Matters
Brittany shared something that really stuck: “If you can name it, you can tame it.”
So often, anxiety, anger, or stress feel overwhelming because we can’t quite put words to them. When we don’t know how to describe what we’re feeling, it’s easy to spiral or—worse—get misdiagnosed. Something as simple as using a feelings wheel or journaling a few words at the end of the day can begin to create clarity.
Creative Tools You Can Use Right Away
Here are a few of the strategies Brittany recommends:
Draw Your Feelings: When words won’t come, sketch it out. Even stick figures or doodles can reveal what’s happening inside.
The Feelings Wheel: Keep a copy nearby. Start with a core emotion in the center, then work outward to more precise words.
Talk It Out: Whether with a therapist, friend, or mentor, the simple act of sharing your emotions reduces their power.
Choose Your Hard: As Brittany says, “Both staying stuck and moving forward are hard. Choose the hard that leads to growth.”
Why This Matters in Prevention
Youth often turn to risky behaviors when they don’t know how to cope with what they’re feeling. By equipping ourselves—and the young people we serve—with healthy tools for emotional regulation, we’re not just easing today’s stress; we’re laying a foundation for healthier, more resilient futures.
🎧 Listen Now
This post only scratches the surface. In the full episode, Brittany and I dive deeper into:
Breaking isolation with conversation and connection.
How therapy and self-care can be viewed as prevention, not just crisis response.
Why sharing pieces of your story can create trust and transformation.
Together, let’s keep building communities where both youth and adults have the tools to cope, connect, and thrive.
▶️ Listen on your favorite platform:
Spotify | Apple | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio | Overcast | Pocket Casts | Radio Public
Resources & Links:
Explore Brittany’s website: https://www.brittanyrichmond.com/
