Young adults face unique challenges. Whether stepping into college or starting a career, this stage of life is filled with new expectations and responsibilities.
A recently opened OCD, Anxiety, and Depression Young Adult Residential Care program in Oconomowoc meets 18- to 20-year-olds where they are, providing a safe environment for them to work through their challenges.
“Change can be both exciting and overwhelming,” says Bradley Erickson, MD, psychiatrist, medical director of Child and Adolescent Inpatient Care and OCD, Anxiety, and Depression Center Young Adult Residential Care. “It’s not uncommon to feel stress and pressure, which can lead to a person experiencing anxiety or depression.”
While stress can be motivating, it can also be harmful.
“Young adults have newfound freedom to make their own decisions about skipping class, choosing friends, and drinking alcohol or using substances,” Dr. Erickson says. “Some may turn to substances or avoidance to cope with stress, but that oftentimes causes struggles in school, on the job, and in relationships.”
As supervising psychologist for Rogers’ new young adult residential program, Sarah Lee, PhD, says team members support patients in gaining confidence and positive self-identity while practicing social and life skills, as well as exploring job skills.
“Our primary goal is to support them as they make changes so they can fully engage in their lives and pursue their goals,” Dr. Lee says. “We know that being in a therapeutic community with those similar in age and point in life creates a sense of belonging and helps the recovery process.”
