Health Tip: If You're a Shy Teen

(HealthDay News) - Many teens deal with shyness, especially as their bodies change and they begin to feel more self-conscious.

The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions for overcoming shyness:

• Try being more open around people you already know, and practice conversing, making eye contact and asking questions.

• Smile -- it will help build your confidence.

• Come up with a couple of ways to start a conversation with someone, so that you're prepared in a situation with someone new.

• If you need to make a call, give a speech or have a conversation that you're nervous about, write it down and rehearse it first.

• Try joining groups or clubs where you and other people have similar interests.

• Learn to stand up for yourself, and don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.