Books
Books can be great companions when life feels stressful, confusing, or overwhelming. These titles offer practical tools for mindfulness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion — whether you’re a teen looking for support or an adult helping a teen learn kinder ways to relate to themselves. Want to learn the basics first? Visit Self-Compassion Basics for a simple introduction to these ideas.
Workbook
The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Overcome Self-Criticism and Embrace Who You Are
by Karen Bluth
This workbook will walk you through what self-compassion is and also take you through lots of exercises to help you build and strengthen your inner kind voice.
ADHD
Mindfulness and Compassion for Teen ADHD: Build Executive Functioning Skills, Increase Motivation, and Improve Self-Confidence
by Mark Bertin & Karen Bluth
If you struggle with ADHD and you sometimes beat yourself up because you can’t get things done, or have trouble managing your time, then this book is for you.
Working with Anxiety
Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety: A Workbook for Overcoming Anxiety at Home, at School, and Everywhere Else
by Christopher Willard
Being a teen is hard enough without anxiety getting in the way. You are changing more than ever before, not just physically, but mentally. And if you suffer from panic attacks, chronic worry, and feelings of isolation, it can be very difficult to meet your goals and succeed.
by Karen Bluth
If you prefer reading – and not a workbook – this book is for you. It’s similar to the workbook described above, but in a book form rather than a workbook.
Reading
The Self-Compassionate Teen: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Conquer your Critical Inner Voice
by Dzung Vo
Mindfulness is the foundation of self-compassion – it’s all about being aware of what you’re feeling, thinking, and experiencing in any moment, and doing it with a non-judgy attitude – noticing everything with curiosity and interest.
Managing Stress
The Mindful Teen: Powerful Skills to Help You Handle Stress One Moment at a Time
Manage Anxiety and Worry
The Anxiety Workbook for Teens 2nd Edition: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry
by Lisa M. Schab, L.C.S.W.
Teen examples and worksheets help you manage anxiety with self-compassion. Learn self-care techniques for cognitive change, self-soothing, grounding, problem-solving, breathwork, managing fear, test anxiety, even exercise and nutrition. Tackle issues like social media stress, the pressure to succeed, stressful public events, and everyday worries.
Guided Journal for Teen Anxiety
Put Your Worries Here: A Creative Guided Journal for Teens with Anxiety
by Lisa M. Schab, L.C.S.W.
Care for yourself with kindness and compassion by following any of these 100 fun and creative prompts that can help you release worry and anxiety. You might doodle, color, collage, visualize, write, or shred anxious thoughts. Give yourself the gift of feeling calm again.
Guided Journal for Releasing Sadness
Find Your Joy Here: A Creative Journal to Help Teens Release Sadness and Depression and Find Moments of Happiness Every Day
by Lisa M. Schab, L.C.S.W.
Sadness is a normal part of life, but sometimes it’s hard to dig yourself out of. The prompts in this book help you interrupt negative thought spirals, refocus on happiness and joy, and find self-compassion through writing, drawing, lists, letters, listening to music, peaceful breathing, reflections, collages and more. Choose whatever makes you smile.
Teen Depression Workbook
Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression
by Lisa M. Schab, L.C.S.W.
When you’re feeling sadness or depression you need self-compassion more than ever. 40 worksheets in this book teach you skills to cope with change, loss, rejection, helplessness, despondency and guide you to finding hope, support, and feeling loved. You’ll learn to care for yourself through problem-solving, assertiveness, stress management, and the power of perspective.
Recommended Books for Teen Well-Being and Self-Compassion
Guided Journal for Finding Self-Love
Find Your Self-Love Here: A Creative Journal to Help Teens Build Confidence and Embrace Who They Are
by Lisa M. Schab L.C.S.W
More than 80 engaging prompts help you realize your innate value and worth; discover, accept, & embrace your authentic self; and combat negative effects of social media and unrealistic beauty ideals. Switch your negative self-thoughts to self-compassionate ones through doodles, daydreams, letters, collages, play lists, meditations, body art, and more.
Healthy Self-Esteem
The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens 2nd Edition: Activities to Help You Build Confidence and Achieve Your Goals
by Lisa M. Schab, L.C.S.W.
This workbook offers teen scenarios and exercises for building compassion, respect, and acceptance of your authentic self. Learn how to be assertive; set healthy boundaries; problem-solve; manage body-image, bullying, criticism, self-doubt; and treat yourself with kindness.
Guided Journal for Managing Emotions
Put Your Feelings Here: A Creative Journal for Teens with Intense Emotions
by Lisa M. Schab, L.C.S.W.
Accept and respect your feelings while learning to manage them with healthy coping skills – all while having fun. Prompts in this book include trying “brain yoga,” mindfulness, making confetti out of intense feelings, switching from OMG to LOL, breathing into peace, concocting emotional “soothies,” acting from Wise Mind, writing overwhelming feelings on tissue and flushing them, along with traditional journaling.
Middle School
Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School: A Workbook to Deal with Stress, Manage Intense Emotions, Boost Confidence, & Cope with Whatever Comes Your Way
by Lisa Shetler, MPsych
Middle school can be hard. In this book you will find fun, easy, and safe tips and tools that will help you guide you through these middle school years.
Not sure where to start? Self-Compassion Basics offers a gentle introduction to these ideas.