Q&A on Young Adult Mental Health
with Dr. Gwenna Blanden
Many students feel pressure to “have it all figured out.” How does that pressure impact mental health?
“Pressure impacts mental health significantly. While having goals can be motivating, the expectation can place a significant burden on students’ mental health. This could lead to them comparing themselves to peers who “seem” more confident about their path, causing them to question if they’re “behind”. On the flip side, others may become too fixated on making the “right” choice; they feel overwhelmed by making decisions or avoiding taking chances all together. It is important for students to know that uncertainty is normal. These are times for learning, exploration, and growth…not to have everything mapped out.”
What are some signs a student may be struggling with anxiety or depression, even if they appear high-functioning?
“To be honest, when people think of depression or anxiety, they have a picture of what that person may look like, which is visibly struggling. But many students experience emotional distress while continuing to perform well and meet their responsibilities. I want to remind people that just because people appear “high functioning” on the outside, their struggles can go unnoticed. Some signs of anxiety include but are not limited to persistent perfectionism, increased self-criticism, excessive worry about performance or grades, irritability, overwhelmed by responsibilities, procrastination, and physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches. Additionally, signs of depression may look like loss of motivation, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, fatigue, and withdrawal. These symptoms may be masked by high-functioning students in order to meet expectations and avoid disappointing others.”
How can therapy support students who feel overwhelmed, unmotivated, or burned out?
“It is important to know occasional stress is a normal part of life, however ongoing feelings such as the ones above can affect one’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Therapy provides a supportive space for students to take a pause, process their feelings and experiences, better understand what may be contributing to their stress, and learn effective skills such as stress management, time management, emotional regulation, and setting realistic expectations for themselves. Most importantly, therapy offers students a space where they do not have to carry everything alone. It is a space to genuinely feel seen, heard, and supported. Students can begin to regain a sense of hope, resilience, confidence, and balance while navigating their everyday life.”
What are some practical ways students can care for themselves while managing academic demands?
“Let’s be real, when responsibilities begin to pile up, self-care is often the first thing to go out the window. It is more common than you think! Oftentimes, people think taking care of themselves is a distraction from success but in reality, it is a crucial part of sustaining it. Some practical ways students can care for themselves include but are not limited to maintaining as best of a consistent sleep schedule as possible (I know I know…seems impossible but try and make it as realistic as possible), staying physically active, taking regular breaks while studying, and making time for activities they enjoy. Students can also feel a little more relief when they can break large overwhelming tasks into smaller more manageable steps rather than focusing on everything at once. Prioritizing responsibilities, setting realistic goals, learning personal limits, asking for support, and giving oneself permission to rest can help prevent burnout from academic and life demands."
What is something you hope every client takes away from working with you?
“It takes a lot of strength and courage for someone to make the decision to work on themselves and engage in therapy. As a therapist, I am honored to be a part of a client’s journey. Some of my greatest hopes are that every client feels seen and heard, equipped with effective skills to have in their mental health toolbox, and feel confident within themselves and their ability to manage their well-being in a healthier and effective way. Above all, I hope every client leaves knowing that they are capable of growth, deserving of support, and not defined by their struggles. I want them to feel empowered to become their own biggest cheerleader - to approach themselves with the same understanding, kindness, and grace they often provide to others."
How does ADHD sometimes show up differently in college compared to earlier school years?
“Many students are surprised to find that ADHD becomes more noticeable in college, even if they managed relatively well in earlier school years. Oftentimes, this is not because symptoms appeared out of the blue but because the structure and support systems that once helped them succeed are no longer as readily available. Challenges with organization, planning, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines may become more apparent as academic demands increase. Students with ADHD may struggle with feeling overwhelmed, procrastinating, difficulty starting tasks, and/or depending on last minute bursts of energy/productivity to complete their work. These challenges can sometimes negatively impact confidence, stress levels, and overall well-being.”
Dr. Gwenna Blanden is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in supporting children, teens, young adults, and their families as they navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, self-esteem concerns, and identity exploration. She is passionate about providing gender-affirming care and creating a culturally responsive, supportive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and BIPOC clients to feel seen, heard, and understood.
Dr. Blanden takes a strengths-based, collaborative approach to therapy, integrating evidence-based practices with warmth, humor, and genuine connection. For more information about scheduling an appointment with Dr. Blanden, please reach out to us at info@hope-wellness.com.
