The transition from high school to early adulthood requires new stress management skills to help adjust to new roles, experiences and expectations. And although many young adults are eager to dive into this new chapter of life, their stress management skills may still be under development. That’s why it’s important to assist high-school graduates in their journey of learning new stress management skills that are applicable and realistic in practice.
Signs Your Teen's Stress Management Skills Need Support
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents due to life transitions is essential for early intervention and support. Common indicators may include:
- persistent feelings of sadness
- hopelessness, or emptiness
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- changes in appetite
- changes sleep patterns
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability
- heightened sensitivity to criticism
- excessive worry
- feeling overwhelmed by future responsibilities.
It is important to remember that each individual may experience these emotions differently, and seeking professional help is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized guidance.
Life Transitions To Prep Stress Management Skills for Ahead of time
Like any life transition or major adjustment, graduating high school brings about numerous changes, both positive and challenging. Some of the factors that may trigger young adults to experience anxiety as opposed to excitement may be:
- Lack of certainty or confidence in the future
- loss of familiar routine
- anxiety about current stress management skills
- loss of, or change in social network
- academic pressures in college
- financial concerns
- the pressure to make important life decisions
Societal pressures, expectations and comparisons with peers can create an added layer of stress and self-doubt during this transitional period. Recent high school graduates are prone to self-comparison and feeling “rushed to grow up”. Since these are common adjustments for everyone, there are a few stress management skills that can help ease the burden.
Typical Vs Atypical Reactions
to life transitions
Depression Vs. Sadness
Navigating the emotional landscape after graduating high school can be challenging, and it’s important to differentiate between depression and transitional sadness. While it’s normal to feel a sense of loss or sadness during this transition, depression goes beyond temporary emotions. Depression may manifest as persistent feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and seek support if the symptoms worsen. Moreover, understanding the nuances of depression versus transitional sadness can help individuals identify their emotions and take appropriate steps towards managing their mental well-being.
Anxiety Vs. Nervousness
As the prospect of a big transition looms after high school, it’s common to experience feelings of anxiety or nervousness. However, it’s important to distinguish between normal pre-transition jitters and chronic anxiety. Pre-transition nervousness may arise from uncertainty or fear of the unknown, and it typically subsides as one adjusts to the new circumstances.
On the other hand, anxiety often involves excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms persist and interfere with daily life, it may be necessary to seek professional help to manage anxiety and develop effective coping strategies.
Stress Management Skills for High School Grads
Embrace Self-Compassion:
Understand that it’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions during transitions. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself time to adjust and adapt to the changes.
Establish a Support System
Reach out to friends, family, or mentors who can provide a listening ear, guidance, and emotional support. Sharing your experiences and concerns can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
Set Realistic Expectations
Avoid comparing your journey to others’. Focus on setting achievable goals that align with your personal aspirations and values.
Explore New Opportunities
Engage in activities that spark your interest and passion, whether it’s pursuing a hobby, volunteering, or exploring career options. This can help bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment during this transitional period.
Talk to a Therapist
If feelings of depression or anxiety persist or significantly interfere with your daily life, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in adolescent issues or life transitions. Here at MBD, our therapists are specifically trained to help individuals experiencing major life transitions and adjustments.
Stress Management Skills you Can teach your teen
As a parent or guardian, your role in supporting the emotional well-being of your post-graduate is vital. Here are some ways you can provide guidance and nurture their emotional health during this transitional phase:
1. Foster open communication
Create a safe and non-judgmental space where your post-graduate can freely express their thoughts, fears, and concerns.
2. Listen actively
Practice active listening by giving your full attention, validating their emotions, and offering empathetic responses.
3. Encourage self-care
Promote healthy habits such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and nutritious eating to support their overall well-being.
4. Provide guidance & resources
Help your post-graduate explore different career options, educational opportunities, or counseling services that can assist them in their transition.
5. Set realistic expectations
Encourage them to set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements, while also understanding that setbacks and challenges are part of the journey.
6. Support their autonomy
Give them space to make decisions, learn from their experiences, and take responsibility for their own actions.
7. Be a source of encouragement
Offer words of encouragement and remind them of their strengths and abilities during times of self-doubt or uncertainty.
8. Seek professional help
If your post-graduate is experiencing persistent or severe emotional difficulties, consider seeking the guidance of a mental health professional who specializes in adolescent mental health or life transitions.
Stress Management in a Nutshell
To summarize, transitions like graduating high school is an exciting and challenging time. Therefore, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in your experiences. Additionally, the more you understand post-grad anxiety and depression, the more likely you will be to implement coping skills, seek help and successfully navigate this phase with resilience and emotional well-being. Remember, this period of change also presents an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery, as you embark on a new and exciting chapter of your life. Enjoy the journey!
FAQ About Online Therapy at MBD
Where are you located? I need a therapist near me
We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page shares a small blurb about Why We Left Insurance Panels
What are out-of-network benefits?
When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement. The amount of reimbursement can vary depending on the plan, but it can sometimes be as high as 90%. Call your insurance to see if you have OON benefits or click here to call us and we can check for you!
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
- Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
- Your therapist respects boundaries
- You’re moving towards your goals
- You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life - Your self-esteem is getting better
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
Ready to start your mental health journey?
Contact us today!
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
OCD & Anxiety
Ketamine Therapist
VR Therapist
Caroline Goodhines
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Molly Weaver
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Denise Spivey
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