Young Adults

Young people are facing an entirely different economic, social and emotional landscape compared to older adults. Rocketing house prices and rents, student debt and poor job prospects have created the first generation to be worse off than their parents yet expectations are higher than ever.

Young people are told that if they work hard enough then they can achieve anything, yet the reality and experience of many young adults in entirely different. 

We are now living with environmental uncertainty, felt particularly by young people whose futures are at risk. We may feel powerless and question the point of it all. 

Changes in our society such as; 24-hour culture, technological advancements allowing remote and virtual working, social media and globalisation have brought with them huge opportunities but also immense difficulties.  We may feel like we are always on view, with no escape or ability switch off and the false constant reminder that other people are living happy and fulfilling lives. We are so much more connected, yet evidence suggests that we have never been so lonely and alone. 

It is easy to feel anxious, stressed, unable to live up to expectations, bored and boring. The idea of failure begins to pervade every area of young people’s lives, creating a culture of criticism and blame (whether from others or by ourselves). I work with young people to break the blame game cycle and the associated feelings of guilt and shame. Technological advancements and social media are here to stay so rather than fight or withdraw we will look at how to navigate and control this area of our lives.

Note to parents and carers; whether your child is suffering from exam stress, relationship issues, isolation and loneliness, career despondency, general anxiety etc, the likelihood is that this will also be impacting on you, emotionally, psychologically and even physically. Parenting can be challenging and is not always instinctive. Making sure you have the support you need is important and may possibly be the best way you can help your child long-term.

Teenagers & older children

In addition to many of the factors above teenage and older children’s problems can be compounded by the lack of autonomy and control. Rules and decisions are made for them, usually in their best interests but can leave young people feeling they are not being listened to. This can create difficulties with parents and other adult relationships.

To regain some control teenagers can engage in behaviours that can be unpleasant, unhealthy or cause harm to themselves or others.

Friendships are pivotal to a young person’s wellbeing but managing those relationships can be fraught with anxiety. To fit in, a young person may feel the need to subscribe to behaviours, life-styles and image they don’t feel comfortable with, but the alternative may bring isolation and a lack of belonging.

We are now living with environmental uncertainty, felt particularly by young people whose futures are at risk. They may feel powerless and question the point of it all. 

How counselling can help 

It’s not uncommon for young people to feel angry, anxious, stressed or despondent, unable to live up to expectations, bored and boring. Real or perceived failure can pervade every area of their lives, creating a cycle of criticism and blame (whether from others or by ourselves). I work with young people to break this cycle and the associated feelings of guilt and shame.

I also help young people find the areas in their lives where they can have autonomy so as to increase personal agency and empowerment. Young people may need help to manage the transition from dependency to independency, as may parents.

I help clients use a transparent way of communicating to reduce misunderstandings. We may also explore difficult emotions and how they can be responded to in more appropriate ways.

Technological advancements and social media are here to stay so rather than fight or withdraw we will look at how to navigate and control this area of our lives.

Note to parents and carers; whether your child is suffering from exam stress, relationship issues, isolation and loneliness, career despondency, general anxiety etc, the likelihood is that this will also be impacting on you, emotionally, psychologically and even physically. Parenting can be challenging and is not always instinctive. Making sure you have the support you need is important and may possibly be the best way you can help your child long-term.