We will all confront stress at one time or another – it’s simply a part of modern living. When that stress grows bigger and more constant, however, it can alter how our brain functions. Our quality of life can become highly compromised as our thoughts keep us in a state of steady alarm and reaction.
This can be particularly true of teenagers, many of whom are still finding out who they are as they navigate a life stage full of pressure and change. When social media, unfiltered information and toxic social circumstances are filling their daily awareness as well, achieving mental and emotional balance can become an even greater task.
If your teen has been struggling with mental health, there is hope. Eunoia Counseling supports Downers Grove teens with caring, personal therapy and counseling. We create a safe environment in which your son or daughter can open up to share their thoughts and troubles and develop the tools that can help them gain peace and clarity.
Downers Grove IL Counseling & Therapy: Navigating the Teen Years
American teenagers have been facing increasing mental-health challenges for years. They particularly spiked during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, in 2021:
37% of high school students reported feeling poor mental health during the pandemic
44% revealed feeling persistently hopeless or sad within the previous year
55% said they had experienced a form of verbal or emotional abuse from a parent or other adult at home
11% identified experiencing physical abuse by a parent or other adult at home
The CDC also points out that mental health among high-schoolers had already been on the decline before the pandemic began. According to statistics through 2019, ADHD, anxiety, behavior problems and depression were the most commonly diagnosed disorders among young people.
Between 2016 and 2019, estimates for youths aged 3–17 having had a diagnosis were:
ADHD 9.8% (approximately 6.0 million)
anxiety 9.4% (approximately 5.8 million)
behavior problems 8.9% (approximately 5.5 million)
depression 4.4% (approximately 2.7 million)
Some of these conditions also commonly occurred together. According to the CDC, depression, suicide and substance use posed particular concerns among adolescents. Other mental-health problems that can affect teenagers include anger, bullying, eating disorders and concerns related to identity and self-esteem.
An early diagnosis followed by proper therapy and counseling services for your Downers Grove teen can make a world of difference in his or her life. The professionals at Eunoia Counseling provide a private, calming environment in which your teen can open up and explore the causes and patterns that might be influencing their perspective.
Your teenager also will gain the coping mechanisms for managing stress and a related condition. We empower your Downers Grove teen to further differentiate real and perceived sources of stress and how to work through rather than be led by them.
Downers Grove IL Therapy & Counseling: Signs of Teen Struggle
While your teenager might not always be forthcoming about their problems, you can be your child’s advocate by being aware of signs that can suggest a deeper issue. Some of those indicators can include:
- academic struggles
- loss of interest and energy
- decreasing appetite or eating disorder
- sleep problems
- anger and irritability
- frequent crying and sadness
- increasing isolation
- promiscuity
- drug and alcohol use
- lack of personal hygiene
No matter what the situation might be, Eunoia Counseling is your professional partner in helping your teen take the next step toward greater healing, peace and clarity.
If insurance or financing are ever a concern, we also can work with you on how to afford the right therapy or counseling for your Downers Grove teen.
Downers Grove IL Teens: Further Understanding Therapy & Counseling
The terms “teen therapy” and “teen counseling” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinctions that may be helpful to recognize.
Teen counseling typically approaches a mental-health challenge as a particular issue for a certain period, such as struggles with friends or class work during a semester. Teen therapy approaches mental health as it may apply to issues that are more established and complex, such as anger outbursts or substance abuse throughout high school.
A teen might approach their first session with a feeling of doubt, but many often come to engage and even look forward to their time with their counselor or therapist. Our counselors and therapists for Downers Grove teens are highly skilled and adaptive in connecting with a young person who may be reluctant at first to talk with someone.
We are also happy to involve parents in the process if that will benefit the teen and the family. We often provide parent-coaching sessions to facilitate the growth process and improve overall family support as well.
Contact Us Today
Your teenager’s peace of mind and well-being matter to us. The teen years really can be tough, and knowing there is safe, insightful and compassionate support can be a guiding light for your child. To find out more about our individual therapy and counseling for Downers Grove IL teens, contact us at (630) 340-8747 or info@eunoiacounselingnaperville.com
