Therapy for Teens and Young Adults

There are various reasons why you might seek therapy. The teen and young adult years can be a time of significant change and stress, leading to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders. You may experience peer pressure, cyber bullying, school stress, or family conflict. Or need support and guidance while exploring sexual or gender identity.

If you deal with these problems by using drugs or alcohol, disordered eating, self-injury or high-risk behaviors, you’ve probably experienced temporary relief…BUT not problem resolution. Instead, the usual outcome is a cycle of dependency, and more problems.

In contrast, positive coping strategies will help you manage intense emotions and behaviors without harming yourself or others. There are many skills to choose from. First take this personal assessment.

PERSONAL ASSESSMENT

Therapy might be helpful if you answer “yes” to any of these questions:

  • Do you have emotions that are easily aroused, intense and/or out of proportion to events and circumstances?

  • Are you reckless or do dangerous things like binge drink, use drugs, or have unsafe sex?

  • Do you make impulsive decisions without considering potential negative outcomes?

  • Do you self-injure or think about suicide?

  • Are you experiencing chronic feelings of emptiness, or feeling worthless or useless?

  • Do you have difficulty maintaining close relationships?

  • Do you think of parents and friends as either all bad or good?

  • Are you frequently worried about past unpleasant experiences or future negative possibilities?

  • Do have persistent feelings of depression and hopelessness?

  • Do you have anger outbursts over minor slights and insults?

If any of these questions sound like you, psychotherapy can help by:

  • Giving you tools to think and act differently

  • Learning to notice your thoughts and emotions before acting on them

  • Using skills to handle difficult situations effectively

  • Building essential skills to navigate life

  • Understanding the connections between your past and present experiences that shape current behaviors and how you interact with the world

The ability to understand why overwhelming thoughts and feelings

can lead to impulsive self-destructive actions is the first step

in creating change, often without medication.

THE MOST COMMON AND DIFFICULT CHALLENGES FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

Mental Health Issues

The National Institute for Mental Health 2021 studies show that around 31% of teens experience anxiety disorders and 15% a major depressive disorder. Suicide was the second leading cause of death in this age group (2019 CDC). Although support systems are available (school counselors, pediatricians, hotlines, mobile apps), the stigma surrounding mental health can discourage teens from seeking help.

Academic Pressure

High academic expectations, standardized testing (SAT, ACT, AP), and highly competitive college admissions can create significant stress and anxiety for many teens. Heavy workloads, numerous extracurricular activities and a lack of sleep can lead to burnout and little time for relaxation.

School Shooter and Bomb Threat Drills

These drills have varying psychological effects on students as they simulate dangerous situations. This can lead to strong and lasting emotional responses, including fear, sadness and anger. Even though these events are rare, the perceived frequency can vary based on media coverage, current events and location. Repeated exposure to drills can lead to desensitization. Additionally the stress and disruptions can impact students’ ability to focus and perform academically.

Social Pressures

Peer pressure, fitting in, and maintaining social connections while dealing with changing friendships and social dynamics can be demanding. The constant presence of social media can create pressure to curate a perfect online image. Teens may feel pressured to maintain friendships even if they are toxic or detrimental to their well-being.

Body Image and Self-Esteem

Teens often struggle with body image issues and self-esteem concerns, especially due to societal pressures and comparisons on social media. Media and societal standards often place emphasis on physical appearance, leading to body image concerns and pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards. Adolescents may compare themselves to peers, celebrities, or media figures, which can impact their self-perception and self- worth. Teens are often influenced by media portrayals of beauty and body standards.

Substance Abuse

Substance experimentation and abuse, including vaping and drugs, can pose serious risks to teens’ physical and mental health. Research suggests that the teen brain is more susceptible to addiction and can become addicted faster than the adult brain. This is primarily due to the ongoing development and maturation of the brain during adolescence. The developing brain’s plasticity makes it more responsive to changes caused by addictive substances.

Family Dynamics

Navigating family relationships, cultural influences, divorce, or conflicts at home can be emotionally taxing for teens. Different parenting styles (authoritative, permissive, authoritarian, etc.) can impact how teenagers perceive rules, expectations, and their overall family environment. Teens might take on caregiving responsibilities for younger siblings or aging family members, impacting family dynamics.

Personal Identity Issues

Exploring personal identity, including gender, sexual orientation, and cultural background, while seeking acceptance from peers and family can be challenging. Exploring and understanding one’s gender and sexual identity can be accompanied by societal and peer pressures to conform to traditional norms. Adolescents often explore their gender identity and sexual orientation. Coming to terms with one’s identity and facing societal expectations and potential discrimination can be challenging.

Uncertain Future

The pressure to make career choices and post-high school plans can be overwhelming for teens. Economic instability, job market fluctuations, and student loan debt can create uncertainty about financial security and career prospects for teens as they prepare to enter the workforce. Many teens are concerned about environmental issues, including climate change, and the potential impact these issues might have on their future. Teens might feel uncertain about the direction of their country, political divisions, and the impact these factors might have on their lives and values.

Income Disparities for Minority Teens

Those who come from lower-income households often have limited access to quality educational resources. This can make college education less accessible, contributing to the racial achievement gap in higher education and career networks. Minority teens from low-income families may live in neighborhoods with fewer resources, limited job opportunities, and higher crime rates, impacting their overall safety and quality of life. They are often disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system due to systemic biases, leading to a cycle of negative impacts on their future opportunities