There is perhaps no time as emotionally difficult in a person’s life as the young adult. From the end of high school to early college/working age, teenagers go through a considerable amount of change and stress. They’re not quite experienced adults, but they’re no longer children, and they’re at an age when they have to start learning how to navigate through life’s challenges without the experience and wisdom that comes from age.
If you’re a teenager struggling with that change, the best thing you can do is take a step back. Recognize that all of the stresses you’re experiencing have all been experienced by the most successful of those before you. It’s simply a matter of learning how to cope with stress and change and make decisions that can help guide you into the future.
Tips for Becoming an Emotionally Healthy Young Adult
- Ask for Help
You’re at an age where you feel like an adult, you’re starting to look like an adult, and you’re about to live like an adult. But you’re also at an age when high school was almost literally yesterday. You have to be okay asking for help with anything that may be bothering you, whether it’s work stress, dating, mental health and more. When you need someone to talk to, call me today for safe, constructive counseling.
- Try to Avoid Negative Coping Behaviors
Alcohol and drugs are commonly used in stress coping, and they should be avoided. It’s not simply because they’re illegal, or that they’re drugs. It’s also because they numb your ability to cope with stress naturally. The “things teenagers do” to have fun in life can actually make it harder to deal with stress and anxiety later.
- Try Hard in Everything You Do
Starting strong is a great way to gain a better footing on life. Lots of young people wait on trying hard, expecting something to happen to them in the future. But every connection you make now can affect your life later. Whether it’s at work or in college, starting strong gets you in good habits towards finishing strong, and can have additional payoffs like good work connections, promotions, admission to more advanced classes, etc.
- Connect with Friends/Family
Social support is also a key driver in excellent mental health. Do your best to get to know the people in your life you care for and the ones that care for you. If you don’t have any strong connections, try to make some. Connecting with people on a deep level can not only improve your stress levels – studies have shown it increases confidence, and could potentially improve your lifespan. It also makes life much more fun.
- Be Open With How You Feel
Finally, don’t try to keep your thoughts and feelings inside you. Learn to openly communicate. When you are too locked inside of your own mind with your feelings, you’ll end up experiencing the same or worse reactions and thoughts than if you had let it out. Learn to share what’s on your mind, and better things will come from it.
Transitioning to Adulthood
Clearly there is a lot to deal with as you start working for the first time, or go to college, or experience your first real relationships. Having someone to help you through it can be very beneficial. Have you or a parent contact me today to learn more about my young adult counselling services in the Greater Long Island area.
