LINZ. Depressive symptoms with fears, sleep disorders and even suicidal thoughts increased significantly in adolescents during the crisis. In order to support those affected quickly and efficiently and to relieve parents, the health service provider PROGES is breaking new ground and is establishing itself in Linz and Wels Psychotherapy groups for adolescents from the age of twelve.
“I can speak openly there”, “There others can understand my thoughts” but also “Group psychotherapy is a good way to realize that not everything revolves around me personally. The world doesn’t always revolve around my eating disorder “- The young people who have accepted the offer so far feel clearly relieved, understood, more visible, they find perspectives and confidence in the future.
The youth psychotherapeutic basic groups, the “Corona Connection”, each consist of eight to ten young people from the age of twelve and two psychotherapists. In line with the motto “Together you are less alone with problems”, they primarily provide relief every 14 days. Existential questions about identity, future, society or relationships can also be worked on together. If necessary and on request, the adolescents can also take advantage of support discussions and remain registered for individual psychotherapy that begins later.
Groups promote relationships
“We know from studies that young people react particularly frequently to the corona situation with emotional and psychosomatic complaints. And many report on pandemic-related social withdrawal, isolation and the loss of everyday structures, ”explains PROGES managing director Doris Polzer. “With the Corona-Connection we offer positive analog relationship experiences, support the development and can establish new, recently lost bonds.”
In order to sensitize the young people and their families to the additional offer, PROGES also provides targeted information about this through resident child and youth psychiatrists as well as in the personal clearing discussions within the framework of the Clearing House for Psychotherapy Upper Austria.
Also increasing electronic offers
In addition, more digital services, for example in the form of telepsychotherapy, are to take place in the future. Young people in particular are open to this and can use such offers more easily or integrate them better into everyday life. A great addition, especially in the area of emotion regulation, are psychotherapy apps, in which young people can write down important thoughts or helpful strategies and take them with them to the treatment.
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