How Therapy Affects the Lives of Young Adults

By: Alexandria Bridges

Today’s young adults carry a lot of weight on their shoulders having to cope with media influence and advances in technology, more than their grandparents’ generation. This age group has many more stressors, and it has begun dealing with some of the problems relating to those, with therapy.

While older generations coped with stress by adopting the “stiff upper lip”, today’s young teens and young adults don’t necessarily take the same route. “Each generation experiences different stressors, and deals with these stressors in a different manner,” says Nancy Toth, a clinical nurse at Oakville Trafalgar Hospital.

The number of young people seeking professional help has increased compared to previous generations. “Many people seek help because they are no longer able to cope with the level of anxiety that results from their disorder,” says Toth.

In an average day, individuals can experience a wide range of emotions. Everyone has feelings of sadness from time to time.

However, it’s when these thoughts and feelings occur for a long period of time, that one might consider seeking professional help.

“Most young adults tend to seek help with problems of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation and the helping professions now have much more knowledge and insight on how to treat these diseases,” explains Toth.

Therapy can help a person examine his or her emotions and help them regain a sense of control. According to Toth, “Whenever a person presents themselves for help, it is imperative to ask the appropriate questions without judgment and with a calm, caring and sincere interest.” Toth thanks her patients at the end of every interview, for being brave enough to seek out help. She reassures these people that they’re not alone in their suffering.

An increasing number of young adults are seeking the help of therapist, but many are trying to cope with their issues alone. Studies indicate that one in five children have some sort of mental, behavioral, or emotional problem, among whom a mere 30-percent receive treatment.

Many individuals – such as myself – don’t ask for help for the fear of embarrassment or weakness. Seeking help is the first and biggest step in overcoming one’s stressors. “People perceive seeking treatment with a therapist as an indication of taking responsibility for one’s total health – both the physical aspect, and the mental and emotional aspect,” says Toth.

Therapy is an alleviating process. Therapists do not judge you, and they are able to help you through their experience of other situations they’ve encountered similar to your own. Toth says she believes intervention and reassurance are factors that can help individuals lead happy and productive lives.

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