Are You Struggling To Navigate The Changes and Challenges That Come With Being An Adult?
Is your experience as a young adult not what you imagined it would be? Do you feel pressured to figure out what it is that you want to do with the rest of your life? Are you struggling in school, frustrated by internships or trying without success to find a job? Perhaps you’re experiencing social anxiety and finding it difficult to meet or connect with others. Or maybe you’re struggling in a romantic relationship or questioning your sexual identity. Are you having a hard time functioning emotionally, financially or logistically on your own?
Are unmet expectations – either those set by yourself, your parents or society – causing you to feel anxious or depressed? Have you begun using drugs, alcohol or engaging in other potentially harmful behaviors in order to cope, numb out or feel something different? Do you wish you could find a satisfying life path, feel good about your choices and experience a more fulfilling life
The transition into college and/or out on your own can be a challenging, confusing and even frightening experience. Change is hard for almost everyone. And, while the major life transition into adulthood comes with an abundance of new opportunities, it also comes with new responsibilities, challenges and expectations. Many young adults also struggle with depression, anxiety and low confidence as they attempt to navigate a bigger and broader world without the guidance and support offered by family or school.
Transition Creates Turmoil For Many Young Adults
Recent reports suggest that the people between the ages of 18 and 33 experience greater stress than the national average. This is not surprising, as this phase of life is notoriously challenging, and the chaotic nature of today’s economy, upsurge in technology use, disconnection from community and pressure to succeed has become increasingly challenging for young adults to navigate. In addition, depression – as well as other mental health issues, such as anxiety – in teenagers and young adults is on the rise. Depression now affects one in five people before the age of 25.
While many young adults and college students struggle to find their path and could benefit from assistance, there are some young people who are in true need of additional guidance and support, especially if they are struggling with anxiety or depression or trying to heal from a trauma. If you are feeling helpless and/or hopeless; experiencing heightened stress that’s impacting your ability to complete tasks, engage with others or causing changes to eating or sleeping patterns; isolating; or feel totally stuck, seeking help may be critical to your wellbeing. Although the world may feel confusing, a qualified therapist for young adults can provide significant insight, direction and relief.
Therapy For Young Adults Can Help You Find A Balanced Path Forward
At this stage of life, some of the most important questions that young adults ask themselves concern self-identity, direction and desires for the future. While these can be exciting questions, they can also come charged with uncertainty and fear. One of the main aspects of counseling for young adults is to explore and address these questions as you begin to really identify who you are, what’s important to you, where you want to go and how you’d like to get there.
In a safe, confidential and compassionate environment, I can help support and guide you as you begin to identify what’s causing your pain, uncertainty and challenges. We can explore any unrealistic expectations that may have been set by others or that you have set for yourself. You can become more aware of the messages and pressure to succeed that you may have internalized, begin to develop increased self-awareness, tease out what’s really important to you and begin setting practical, attainable goals.
In sessions, we can also identify and address any negative self-talk and/or self-limiting behaviors that are keeping you from moving forward. You can learn to shift into more realistic and positive thoughts and dispel unrealistic expectations. I can teach you mindfulness techniques so that you can notice thoughts and feelings without harsh self-judgment, develop more self-compassion and engage more fully in your present experience.
I am also highly trained and experienced in depression counseling, anxiety therapy and trauma therapy. As you work through painful emotions and challenging issues, I will serve as a trusted guide and help you develop tools that you can use outside of the office when feelings of panic, hopelessness or fear set in.
You don’t have to navigate this difficult transition on your own. Life is challenging, but it’s possible to see challenges as opportunities to build character and to learn from your experiences. With help and a willingness to get to know yourself better and make positive changes, you can experience relief and create a positive life path forward.
Although you may know that you could benefit from help, you still may have questions or concerns about counseling for young adults…
I’m at a loss right now and know that I need additional support and guidance; however, I’m concerned about the cost and time commitment of therapy.
The young adult years are a critical time in life. Whether you’re going to college, moving out of your parents’ house, working a real job for the first time or trying to navigate life on your own, this is the time when you’re coming into your independence and making life decisions for yourself by yourself. If you’re struggling now, engaging in therapy at the start of your adult life can come with long-lasting benefits. This investment in yourself can not only help you find direction and relief now, but it can also help you to become better equipped to handle the numerous life challenges that you’ll experience down the road. And, therapy doesn’t have to last forever. Depending on your specific experience and needs, a lot can be discovered, learned and applied in a short amount of time.
I’ve heard that therapy is for people with mental health issues. I’m struggling, but I don’t think that there’s anything seriously wrong with me.
Contrary to that thought, most people who are in therapy are normal people like you who are struggling in some way and want some support, guidance and tools so they can feel better and function in the world with more ease. In young adult therapy sessions, you can get to the root of who you are, what brings you happiness and how you want to be in the world. You’ll also be given a supportive outlet to work through painful feelings and situations as you find a path forward that feels good for you.
Shouldn’t I be able to handle this normal life stuff on my own?
As humans, we are meant to live in community and work together. If you’re struggling right now, you don’t have to go it alone. During times of turmoil, it’s okay to reach out to your support system and ask for help. That said, if you don’t have a strong support system or if you’re stuck in a dark cloud or battling anxiety, a therapist who has expertise in counseling for young adults can help. And, there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. A desire to get to know yourself better and make positive change is a sign of strength.
If you’re in Louisville, CO or the surrounding area, I invite you to call me at 720-427-8222 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’m happy to discuss your specific needs and answer any questions you may have about the counseling services I offer and my practice.