"Relationship issues, college and career pressure, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, loss and grief, or low self-esteem are very common issues I am seeing in our teen and young adult populations. Often old traumas are beginning to surface at this age, and one is wondering why they are finding themselves depressed and sometimes even suicidal."
Shannon O'Grady, PhD
DEPRESSION
Depression is often the cause of someone feeling hopeless, lethargic, no longer interested in life’s activities, persistent rumination on negative thoughts or sadness. It’s not uncommon for people to get depressed at some point in their lives. However, if this feeling stays with you then it is time to try to get some help. Know that you can feel better, and get out of the cycle of hopelessness.
STRESS
Stress is everywhere, and most people feel some degree of stress in just managing day-to-day activities. There are also very serious situations that people live with that create chronic stress. When stress becomes chronic, it can take over your life and cause you to lose sleep, and worry excessively to the point of bringing on panic attacks, and other health problems. There are stress-reduction techniques that can be learned to help reduce one's stress.
ANXIETY
When anxiety starts to interfere with the quality of everyday life, it is important to find a way to restore balance to one’s life. Anxiety has increased in our society tremendously since the COVID-19 pandemic and has had a particularly heavy effect on teens and college-aged students. If you are experiencing anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and cannot seem to control it, please reach out for help.
RELATIONSHIP ISSUES
Honest healthy relationships are the key to a happy life, yet sometimes relationships become conflictual and challenging and we realize we are not our best selves in our relationship. So much depends on healthy communication, trust, and healthy boundaries. Once a betrayal happens it becomes even harder to have the trust for an honest relationship. And there are situations where one can find themselves ‘addicted’ to a person who is not good for them. Therapeutic support during these times can help bring greater clarity.
COLLEGE STUDENT CHALLENGES
Transitioning to college is supposed to be an exciting time in one’s life, however, college students can find themselves overwhelmed with stress – academic stress, social stress, financial stress, relationship stress, and just being away from home and their previous friend group. Trying to figure out one’s future has a lot of challenges. Sometimes students just need a little support along the way.
GRIEF
Grief has no timeline. It can persist for an indefinite period, and as soon as we think we are better, it can sneak up again. It’s so important to learn the tools to work with grief so it can be integrated into your life story. Learning to navigate the truly difficult emotions that accompany loss can be helpful to healing. Support is so important during this time.
LIFE TRANSITIONS
Life always has transitions, small ones, and larger ones. A move, a change of familiar relationships, a career change, a school change, a marriage or a divorce are all transitions that can be hard to navigate. All of these events include loss yet may not be the traditional way we think of grief. If you need some help adjusting to a new life transition, even a positive one, please reach out.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a result of a traumatic event or events. People who experience this are often triggered by things that others may not take notice of. Sometimes they will have recurrent nightmares, feel uneasy in environments where most people are comfortable, or react to an event or something someone says in an exaggerated manner. Most people eventually heal from a traumatic event, but some need help along the way. If you have experienced a traumatic event or several traumas growing up, then EMDR therapy might be a good fit for you to help you heal these traumas, so you can become more relaxed, and more grounded, and feel you are a better version of yourself.
SEXUAL ABUSE
Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that occurs without consent. It includes unwanted sexual touching, forced oral sex, and rape, among other sexual acts. Often victims of sexual abuse feel shame and do not wish to talk about it. No matter what has occurred, it’s not the survivor’s fault that they were assaulted— Please reach out and know that you can heal from this abuse.