Are the teens & 20s really the “Best years of our lives”?

For many of us it’s the opposite.  The transition to adulthood can be so overwhelming!

You’re expected to:

– be independent (but ALWAYS ask permission!)

– take risks (but don’t screw up)

– respect older generations (but for the love of god, don’t repeat their mistakes)

– make everyone happy, including yourself

Oh, & don’t forget to decide what you want to do with your entire life, too. 

With so much going on, even the most “well adjusted” people can use some extra support.

For many of us, symptoms of anxiety or depression can show up as a natural response to having all of this to deal with at once.

What does it look like when a young person is stressed, anxious, or depressed?

Well, for some of us, we might be skipping class, spending too much time gaming or online, or really not wanting to talk about the “important” things. 

So in a way, it might look like you don’t care about things. Only you know that’s not true at all. You get that things are a big deal, that’s what’s so stressful about it.

For others, maybe this stress leaves us feeling like our emotions are out of control; maybe we’re angry or upset often, or over seemingly “small” things; we might be acting before we think, and maybe even wanting to hurt ourselves, or others.

Helping youth through this challenging time is something I am so passionate about.

I have years of experience working with these common (but difficult) issues, and I love providing support and real coping tools to help young people not just “get through” your youth, but be able to enjoy it, gain more trust and freedom, and learn how to start planning for a future you’re stoked and prepared for.

I know that it’s hard, but I also know things can get better. They did for me, and they can for you too.  

Looking for help for someone under 16 in Squamish?
Check out the Squamish Kid & Youth Mental Health Guide