Photo credit: Lena Sakhnini

Olivia Broock (’27) talks to her friend on a couch. In an era where a teenagers are constantly overwhelmed with work and other activities, talking to others is an effective tool to manage stress.

How often do you turn to other people when life feels overwhelming?

When school deadlines pile up, my to-do list feels endless or I just can’t shake a bad mood, I instinctively reach for my phone to text one of my friends, or I look around in my physical space for a familiar face to talk to. Whether it’s a quick chat with a friend between classes or a long Facetime call to just talk about what’s happening in our lives, these conversations always seem to lighten my mental load. 

Getting out of your own head is important in making a situation a little less scary. At least for me, knowing and managing everything in my head, from calendars to extracurriculars to friendship troubles, it gets overwhelming. But, by sharing your experience with others, the Delta Math mountain seems a little bit more climbable, and the fight you had with your sibling seems a little less serious.

There’s real psychology behind how connecting with people helps us manage stress. Humans are an inherent social species; we’re meant to collaborate. Social interactions can lower stress hormones like cortisol and release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which fosters feelings of trust and connection. These biological effects help us feel calmer and more equipped to tackle challenges. According to an article by Summa Health, “Research shows your body releases endorphins during positive social contact, similar to the physical response after a hard workout, which gives a boost of happiness while reducing stress.”

One way talking to others helps us is by giving us perspective. Let’s be honest: When you’re stressed, your thoughts can spiral out of control. A conversation with someone you trust can ground you and offer clarity. 

Sometimes when we talk (or complain) about what is stressing us out, we don’t always want advice in return. Even so, I’ve found that just putting your thoughts into words about what’s bothering us helps to realize a new approach or view on the situation at hand. By sharing your human experience with other humans who also go through the same things, you can get out of your own head. 

Social interactions also serve as an emotional release. Venting, even about minor frustrations, can help us feel heard and understood. Sharing our feelings with someone who actively listens can validate our experiences and reduce the intensity of negative emotions. Think about it — have you ever felt overwhelmed, talked to a friend about it, and suddenly felt like the problem wasn’t as insurmountable as it seemed? That’s the magic of feeling seen and supported.

Another way talking to people helps is by offering solutions or simply reminding us that we’re not alone. Sometimes, the best advice comes from someone who has been in a similar situation. Just hearing, “I get it, I’ve been there too,” can be enough to lift the weight off your shoulders. It’s like instant reassurance that you’re not facing the world by yourself.

Conversations don’t always need to be deep to be effective. Casual chats, like joking around with your friends, also play a huge role in reducing stress. Humor is a natural stress reliever that improves mood and strengthens connections. Even light-hearted banter can make you feel more at ease, reminding you to take life a little less seriously.

Of course, not everyone turns to others when they’re stressed, and that’s okay. Some people find solace in solitude, journaling or other personal outlets. But for people who thrive on connection, conversations can be a powerful tool for emotional balance. The key is knowing who to turn to, whether it’s a close friend, a family member or even a teacher, and letting yourself lean on them when needed. So next time you are feeling a bit overwhelmed and unsure what to do, try to make a list of people you know you can rely on. Whether that be a sibling (shoutout to my sister for always listening to me complain), a parent, a cousin or a best friend, having a list ready to go may help you in times where you are overloaded with your life.

Reflecting on how much these interactions help me, I’ve realized how essential they are to maintaining my well-being. Talking to people isn’t just about seeking solutions; it’s about feeling connected, validated and supported. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or overworked, consider reaching out to someone you trust. Whether it’s a heart-to-heart or a quick laugh, a conversation might be the relief you didn’t know you needed.