A CDC survey released in June 2020 included a deeply troubling statistic: 25 percent of young adults ages 18–24 have seriously considered suicide as a result of pandemic-related trauma and stress. As researchers dug deeper into the data, they found that social isolation is among the top stressors for this demographic. Many young people are attending college remotely, have lost their jobs or are working from home, or have returned to their childhood homes for economic reasons. The resulting loneliness is catalyzing significant increases in anxiety and depression among this age group.

However, current circumstances aren’t the only catalyst for the sense of disconnection that underlies young adult mental health challenges. Childhood trauma, particularly trauma involving parental neglect or abuse, often results in difficulty maintaining positive and nurturing relationships. Young adults with a history of trauma may struggle with boundary issues, lack of trust, and difficulty revealing their true selves.

Comprehensive, integrated treatment can address these issues by helping young adults to create authentic connections. Rather than addressing the symptoms of mental health and co-occurring disorders, young adult treatment at Newport heals these underlying issues by fostering connection with self and others.

Tools for Building Connection with Self

Newport’s clinical model of care is based on the understanding that the most important connection is the connection with self. Newport Institute nurtures this connection through:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EFT, and other trauma-focused approaches to heal relational, chronic, or acute trauma that has created separation from self
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help clients reexamine negative beliefs and self concepts, and reframe black-and-white thinking
• Adventure Therapy to enhance self-esteem, confidence, and skill mastery
• Creative arts therapy and journaling to encourage self-expression and uncover personal passions
• Strengths-based academics and life skills training to develop natural talents and interests
• Self-care through exercise, mindfulness, and using the “meal as medicine.”

Authentic Connection with Others

Studies show that developing supportive relationships in emerging adulthood promotes resilience and thriving. In addition, supportive relationships cultivate compassion for others as well as self-compassion, which has proven to be strongly associated with well-being in young adults. 

• Family therapy guides emerging adults in building honest and supportive relationships with parents — while maintaining autonomy and a separate sense of self.
• Group sessions with peers foster bonding and decrease the sense of isolation that can accompany mental health disorders.
• Experiential modalities such as Adventure Therapy and music therapy bring young adults together in a shared process of healing.
   

Connection = Thriving

Young adults thrive when they have the opportunity to process past trauma and related mental health disorders; and have gained the skills to navigate triggers, self-regulate emotions, and connect deeply with others. From this foundation of balance and support, they are poised to create a life filled with purpose and meaning. With effective treatment and tools to thrive, young adults can move into the next phase of their lives with confidence, optimism, and hope.

About Newport Institute
Newport Institute is a series of evidence-based healing centers providing mental health–primary care for young adults from a foundation of compassion, clinical expertise, and unconditional love. With locations across the United States, Newport Institute offers gender-specific, individualized, and comprehensive treatment programs that encompass clinical therapy, experiential modalities, life skills programming, and academic excellence. Driven by research and outcomes, Newport Institute achieves long-term results through statistically significant improvement in levels of depression, anxiety, and overall well-being. Newport Institute’s primary mission is to empower minds and restore families.