173: The Emotional Brain Under Stress — and the Tools That Actually Help

Teen stress, emotional regulation, and mental health are deeply connected to how the brain works. When teens and college students are under pressure, the emotional brain can override logic, leading to overwhelm, impulsive reactions, and feeling out of control. This isn’t a willpower problem — it’s a stress response in the brain. In this episode, Leslie talks with psychologist Dr. Laurel Mellin, founder of Emotional Brain Training (EBT), about how stress affects the teen brain and why common advice like “try harder” or “just calm down” doesn’t help. We discuss: The emotional brain vs. thinking brain How stress impacts teen behavior, mood, and decision-making Why shame and self-criticism worsen stress and anxiety What emotional self-regulation really means Brain-based stress management tools teens and college students can use to calm the nervous system This episode offers a science-backed approach to teen mental health, helping teens and parents better understand stress, build emotional regulation skills, and respond with compassion instead of blame. For more on EBT: https://www.ebt.org/   Groups are available for teens upon request.  Get 30% off the Community Membership (includes app) - Use promotion code: JOY For Professionals - EBT Certification: https://www.ebtcertification.com/ Dr Mellin's book available at Amazon, starting February 15th, 2026:  The 5-Minute Solution: Self-therapy Anytime Anywhere. Like this episode? Hit follow and then leave a review or comment — we’d love to hear what you think.   Parents: Schedule a free Clarity Call with Leslie here to help your teen/YA resolve weight & unhealthy eating habits, while improving body image and self-esteem.   5 Ways to Help Your Teen Eat Better  - Without Making Things Worse Https://cc.leslierosecoaching.com/eat-healthier-5-steps   Disclaimer