THE teenage years come with the stress of future exams, first loves and the general stresses of encroaching adulthood but a group of high school students yesterday crafted tools to help tackle those times.

Warwick High School students assembled in the school's quadrangle yesterday to turn humble balloons and sand into a stress ball they can use to squeeze away some of the pressure.

The activity was a celebration for Mental Health Week and school-based youth health nurse Denise Dixon said it was a way to get kids involved in the celebrations.

"It's just a great idea for the kids to have fun and make something they can use," she said.

She said a variety of issues could affect teenagers throughout the final years of their schooling.

"Teenagers can struggle with exam stress, relationship stress and just the hormones of adolescence can cause stress really," she said.

Year 9 student Matthew Zimmerle quickly perfected the art of stress ball production, pumping them out for those less capable.

Matthew said he thought the balls would help him cope with the stresses brought on by teachers and school work.

"Making these is mad as. It gives us something to do at lunch time instead of going to the library or just talking and stuff," he said.

Mental Health Week celebrations will be held across the region this week, with a display at the Warwick Library all week and a Busk Off at the Town Hall at 4pm on Wednesday.

The theme for 2011 is Be Active focuses on people looking after themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

For more information on Mental Health Week celebrations call Danielle Peres on 4660 3911.