As cliché as it may sound, there’s a reason our teen years are often described as a roller coaster. The period between adolescence and adulthood is packed from end to end with social and emotional transitions — major firsts, blind corners, hard letdowns, and big twists.
Most of these changes can be exciting, others can be extremely difficult.
Any change, positive or negative, puts stress on our minds and bodies. Depending on the emotional tools you developed in childhood and the types of relationships you have in your life, you may feel more (or less) equipped to handle the highs and lows of adolescence. But just as any machine gets worn down by repeated strain, over time, stress can wear down the coping mechanisms we’ve developed to deal with life’s ups and downs. And a traumatic experience can break these systems down more rapidly.
This is why even the most well-supported teens can find themselves struggling with mental health.
So how do you know when it’s time to get some outside help from a teen therapist?
When to try teen therapy
Information on teen anxiety and depression is much more widely available, more specialized, and (thankfully) much more embraced than it used to be. But because symptoms often look different in different individuals, it can be hard for teens and parents to identify the “tipping point” between everyday stress and a mental health challenge.
Maybe it’s getting harder to simply “ride things out.” Maybe you’re unsure whether you’re handling stress as well as you could. Maybe you’re feeling more worried about day-to-day activities, or less hopeful about the future in general. Maybe you’re not feeling much of anything.
Whatever your personal experience, if you’re considering trying teen therapy for the first time (or trying a new therapist) there are a few broad signs that can indicate it’s time to make a change.
“My anxiety is getting in the way.”
Do you find yourself feeling so anxious or depressed that it’s tough to get through your daily routine? Maybe it’s all you can do to get to school in the morning. Maybe you find yourself worrying or overthinking so much that it’s hard to get out the door. Maybe you have trouble staying connected with friends or no longer want to participate in activities you used to enjoy. If this sounds familiar, it’s time for a change.
A therapist can help to address these challenges, teaching you new strategies for dealing with anxiety or depression, and building the confidence to help you live (and enjoy) your life more fully.
“I’ve tried everything.”
As a teen (or the parent of a teen), it’s understandable that you might start by addressing mental health on your own. Both self-care and the support of family and friends are incredibly important for dealing with the stressors of adolescence. But just as you would go to the doctor for an injury that just wasn’t healing, or a cold you couldn’t kick, if the symptoms of depression or anxiety aren’t improving, it’s probably time to consult an expert in teen therapy — especially if you’re starting to feel guilty, frustrated, or hopeless.
When it seems like you’ve tried everything and nothing is making a difference, a therapist can provide the next logical step. Therapy offers an outlet for both teens and parents to get a fresh perspective, learn new tools for addressing challenges, and ultimately unburden some of the stress and loneliness of dealing with mental health.
“I’m just stuck.”
Teens who are dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges often describe the feeling of being “stuck.” It may seem like a rut you just can’t get out, a gloom you just can’t shake. It may be hard to imagine living your life differently or to find the energy to make a change. If this is the case, therapy can be the catalyst you need to shake up your current routine and develop new patterns.
If you are already in therapy but still feeling stuck or lacking a sense of connection with your current therapist, this may be a sign that it’s time to try someone new. The most important indicator of successful therapy outcomes is the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist. Without a strong, trusting relationship, the benefits of therapy simply won’t be as impactful.
The short answer
Ultimately, if you’re wondering about the benefits of starting teen therapy for the first time or trying a new therapist, you should trust this instinct to ask for help. Most therapists are familiar with this struggle and will be happy to talk to you about your concerns and help you decide on the best place to start. If you’re in the Newport Beach area, Care Concepts Therapy is here to help you move toward a brighter, more hopeful future one step at a time.
Is teen therapy something you would like to explore? Let’s connect to get started.