Being a young adult is one of the most uphill walks you’ll take in your life. Time spent growing up, as wistfully as adults look back on these years, is not always dewy and innocent. While your brain finalizes its development, you have to deal with the reality of adulthood, and it’s not always what you thought it might be.
When I meet with individuals seeking young adult counseling in Denver, I often recall what it was like, and still is, for me to be a young adult. There were so many times when I had to be strong and a lot of times, didn’t know what my next step should be. With counseling and inner strength, I am getting through young adulthood and now work with others to help them through this time successfully and happily (hopefully!).
It’s Normal to Feel This Way When You’re a Young Adult!
In school, you learn such heady topics that you think you’re going to go straight from graduation into a top position at your dream job! A lot of people think this at least, only to be disappointed by the fact that after you reach the top in your education, you have to start all over again in the career ladder. Back to square zero.
Or, maybe you are on the opposite end of the spectrum and you are a go-getter beyond all compare, maybe even to the point where you are now jeopardizing your health because you’re working 80+ hours a week just to prove to yourself, your boss or your peers that you deserve the promotion or raise.
Who is a Young Adult Anyway? Are You Still One?
Are you young at heart? Are you somewhere between 22-ish and 38-ish? Are you an adult who still feels young and wants to find their calling when they “grow up one day”? Then you are a young adult in my dictionary. And, together, we can help with determining what your strengths are that translate into a passion, a job or a career, as well as tools to cope with what you’re feeling right now.
Again, on the opposite spectrum, are you young and taking life and work so seriously that you’re missing holidays with family, your own birthday, or not getting enough sleep? Then, I would encourage you to start trying to enjoy your young adulthood and really remember not to take anything too seriously! I use humor in my practice because laughter truly is the best medicine.
What Kind of Issues Face Young Adults These Days
There are all sorts of issues that can prompt a search for young adult counseling in Denver. Living in Colorado, we have a unique set of needs, and a diverse population of which so many young adults can struggle through.
Some issues that can affect young adults are:
- Depression
- Fitting In
- Career and What to Do
- Overworking
- Burnout
- Financial Stress
- Being Far From Family
- Failure
- Grief
- Self Esteem
- Body Issues
- Loneliness
Trends for Young Adults that Weren’t There Before
The internet helps us in so many ways, but causes so many problems too. It’s easy to compare ourselves with people’s online “lives” – yes, in quotations for a reason, you know so much is posed and fake out there! I say don’t believe the hype on social media. In fact, after you read this, please take a walk outside or get some reading (a real book!) in because that is really part of the problem facing young adults today is digital bombardment.
We are bounced with ads, white and blue light, the urge to scroll… the urge to compare ourselves. And, when we do that, we start to get into negative self-talk, or even worse, self-loathing which can result in emotionally and physically debilitating issues. Let’s not do that!
Another issue is that young adults in modern day have more debt and make less money usually than a couple generations before. They are often working loooooooong hours just to get by, or if they are getting by and being paid well, they are still expected to work much, much more than the standard 40 hours work week. Not having free time or space to live can also cause health issues unique to young adults.
How Can Counseling Help Young Adults Specifically
Also due to the separation of each other because of the digital age, many young adults are lonely or struggling to find true companionship. Counseling can help by encouraging dialogue and working on any issues you are facing so that you are able to stop making the same mistakes over and over, or making the same choices over and over, and help you lift any clouds that might be hanging around you.
When you’re able to take care of your emotional wellness and health, you become closer and closer to the best version of yourself. And, when you do this, you will find that opportunities begin to open up to you. New experiences and people may even come into your life. And, you might ease up on yourself at work, finding that with reduced stress, you are able to work smarter, not harder, and you end up getting the raise or promotion you had been working way too hard to get before! Maybe! You won’t know until you try and I encourage you to give it a chance. My door is always open.
About the Author
Katie Bisbee-Peek, MA, LPC, NCC is a Denver area therapist who works with adolescents, young adults, individuals and families to become whole again. She works with humor and candor in a way that resonates with those seeking to find joy again in their life and heal their hurt. Katie knows first hand the beneficial effects of counseling from experiences in the public school system and with her own family’s success through difficult times. Katie seeks to understand and support. Her guidance is always down to earth, approachable, practical and from a place a caring. To get started, click here to email me about scheduling a complimentary introductory call or meet and greet session.