Working with Adolescents

It’s no surprise that teenage mental health is plummeting. The vast majority of mental health disorders in young teens and adolescents are undiagnosed and untreated. Often, young adults are hesitant to begin therapy due to the stigma and fear they will face if people know they are struggling. They often feel judged, ridiculed, or invalidated when they seek help for their issues. This is especially true for young women who often rely on outside opinions to determine their worth. If they fear that others will think less of them due to the struggles they are going through, then they are less likely to seek out the resources they need. Young adults are a unique population to work with, and one of the most rewarding. Teenagers are in the process of figuring out who they are and what’s important to them, while in the middle of one of the biggest transitions of their life. Whether it’s trying to navigate high school, entering college and feeling completely overwhelmed, or struggling to find healthy relationships, adolescents are trying to deal with important issues. Teens who struggle with mental health issues are more prone to feeling socially excluded, struggling with school, exhibiting risky behaviors, and feeling stigmatized for these difficulties. There are a few ways to combat these issues, but here are some of the keys to success for adolescents:

1. Healthy sleep patterns
2. Exercising regularly
3. Developing healthy coping skills
4. Interpersonal skills
5. Problem-solving skills

It is important for adolescents who are showing warning signs to begin speaking with someone as soon as possible. Some warning signs might include:

1. Significant changes in eating or sleep schedule
2. Sudden drop in grades
3. Isolating from friends and family
4. Extreme mood swings
5. Self-destructive behaviors and activities
6. Obsession with death

Most teenagers don’t want to share this information with their parents, so creating a safe space for them to speak freely is imperative to work through these issues. Therapy is a place where adolescents can begin to figure out who they are as individuals without the pressure from family and society. It’s a place for them to gain control over their mental health and feel safe sharing what’s on their minds. It allows them to learn coping skills that will help them develop into well-rounded humans. Groups are also a great place for young adults to begin addressing issues in their life. Group therapy offers a safe space surrounded by other individuals who are going through similar difficulties. A group allows people to see that they are not alone in their struggles and can be a place to open up and share honestly about what they are going through. McKenna is a therapist who specializes in teenagers and young adults. She believes that therapy is for everyone. There is no issue too big or small to bring to therapy. Everyone has internal struggles and sometimes it’s just nice to have someone to share that with who won’t judge or give you biased advice. If you or a loved one is struggling with anything mental health related, don’t hesitate to reach out. Her phone number is 720-464-7074 and email is mckenna@withinholisticcounseling.com. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/mckenna-mccracken-warner-robins-ga/876711