Everyone says, “Set boundaries,” but no one explains how. And when you do try? Cue the guilt trips, the people pleasing instincts, and the fear that you’ll lose someone if you put your needs first. For many young adults and teens, this struggle wrecks emotional well-being, chips away at self esteem, and keeps you locked in self-sabotage and shame.In this episode of Headstraight, we get real about boundaries. You’ll hear straight talk on why they feel impossible, how old conditioning tells you that saying no is selfish, and why guilt shows up even when you’re making better choices. We’ll talk about spotting the red flags—those moments when you feel drained, resentful, or invisible—and why they’re signs you need to act.Then, we’ll get practical. You’ll learn how to actually word your boundaries, how to protect your teen mental health without blowing up your relationships, and how to stick with them when guilt kicks in. Along the way, you’ll see why setting boundaries is one of the strongest ways to silence self doubt and build lasting self reliance.This is real talk mental health—clear, honest, and actionable. Boundaries aren’t about being mean. They’re about creating safety, protecting your energy, and reminding yourself that your needs matter.Want to get involved?I’d love to hear from you:Send me a message → headstraight.co.uk/contactLeave me a voice note → headstraight.co.uk/voicemailShare your feedback by leaving a review (it helps more young people find the podcast) → headstraight.co.uk/reviews/newExplore more from Headstraight:Read the blog version of every episode, packed with extra insights on self-sabotage, motivation, resilience, and mental health → headstraight.co.uk/blogFind out more about me, the host, and why I started this podcast → headstraight.co.uk/aboutNeed support right now?If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or in crisis, visit our Resources pagefor helplines, mental health services, and support options available in the UK and across the world.Click here to view the episode transcript.

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