BeWELL Psychotherapy in New York is here to explain some reasons why teens come to therapy or seek mental health counseling. We are also here to outline some of the next steps you might consider taking as a teen or parent of a teen who is struggling with mental health issues.
#1. You’re Tired of Struggling with Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, ADHD, or any other Common Mental Health Disorders
Let’s cut right to the chase: life can be hard. Especially as a teen, you have the pressures of school, friends, work, and more — these aspects of life can be much more challenging when struggling with your mental health. There is also a combination of genetics, environment, and biology at play (healthychildren.org).
The good news is the teenage years are an ideal time to successfully address many challenges. Early intervention is key, as therapists can connect the symptoms and experiences you’re having with recommendations and exercises to ensure you are supported in whatever way makes the most sense for you.
#2. You Feel Alone
Challenges such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD can make you feel alone and afraid to confide in friends or family. You might be worried that they won’t understand or that they’ll think less of you.
The truth is — you are not alone. According to TeenMentalHealth.org, 1 in 5 young people suffer from a mental illness. The scale could feel minor (such as navigating social pressures) or major (such as crippling anxiety). Either way, therapy can make a huge difference in your overall happiness throughout your teenage years.
#3. You’re Experiencing Grief
We don’t have to tell you this one — teens grieve deeply. Many things can trigger grief, including the loss of a loved family member or a close friend, a broken relationship, or fall-out from social pressures. We have therapists that specialize in working with teens to help you sort out your feelings, make sense of the loss, and cope with grief.
#4. You’re Stressed
Teenagers manage a lot of stress — now more so than ever before. You may be stressed out because of pressure to perform well in school or on the sports field, you may be worried about what happens after high school, or you may be preoccupied with social situations (shifting friend groups, fitting in, the recipient of bullying, etc). Therapy can help you learn life-lasting skills to manage this stress successfully.
#5. You’ve Experienced a Major Life Event
We have all undergone some points of transition in our lives. Sometimes we have the defenses to tolerate these transitions when we are faced with them, but other times our defenses are not equipped. When our natural defenses are not adequate to handle these transitions, we may find we fill in the gaps with our own coping mechanisms.
Getting help and taking control is Be.WELL.’s priority when it comes to reducing anxiety during major life transitions; this allows you to live your best life.
These Resonate with me, but how will Therapy Help?
Therapy can help you reflect on your own experiences, get in touch with your feelings, and work toward open communication. Be.WELL. therapists will work for and with you to improve your situation.
Therapy gives you a place where your feelings are accepted; maybe you feel as though you don’t want to burden others with your feelings? Therapists help you identify and acclimate to better handle your feelings — if you feel like something is keeping you from living the fullest expression of your life, it’s time for therapy.
What Can I Expect as a Teen Trying Therapy in NYC?
You can expect an open and accepting environment where you are able to say anything without fear of trouble. Teen therapy has the same boundaries as adult therapy – your parents and guardians are kept updated with your agreement and awareness. This builds the important element of trust, which is foundational – it allows you to have the autonomy necessary to make shifts and ultimately find the best words to communicate your needs and feelings.
What can you look forward to? Successful Be.WELL. teens start to get the things in their life that they want. With progress, you’ll start to feel more connected to the world. Therapy provides you with a place where you can talk about anything without judgment.
Our Be.WELL. therapists are well learned in a variety of fields and are here to help you become your best self. Whether you are struggling with issues related to Anxiety, Depression, Sexual Orientation, Race and Identity, school, or relationships, Be.WELL. therapists welcome you with an open ear.
