Team approach brings hope to students experiencing psychosis on campus.
By Leigh Blander, Marblehead Reporter, WickedLocal.com
Like thousands of young adults across Massachusetts, Ryan started struggling with his mental health during the pandemic, suffering from a deepening depression that led to a psychotic episode and hospitalization.
鈥淚 experienced a severe state of disoriented thinking and then paranoia,鈥 said Ryan, who asked his full name not be used. He is a 21-year-old student at a Boston-area college. 鈥淚 would spend hours a day on the computer trying to self-diagnose, which would only lead to worsening thoughts and confusion. This built up until I was no longer able to talk with my family about how I was feeling. Communicating as a whole came to a standstill.鈥
Young adults like Ryan have reported the highest rates of anxiety and depression throughout the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The crisis is being felt locally, too.
“We are seeing an uptick in students seeking support for mental health services,” said Dean of Students Marlin Nabors at Endicott College in Beverly. 鈥淲e saw intakes at our counseling area double at the start of September.”
The Discovery Team
At the hospital, Ryan鈥檚 family learned about 欧美日b大片 and its Discovery Team, which offers wrap-around mental health care for young adults, who are the ones most likely to experience an FEP, or First Episode of Psychosis.
Ryan has since been diagnosed with depression and bi-polar disorder. His team consists of a therapist, psychiatrist and a peer mentor who has personal experience with similar diagnoses. Another clinician works with Ryan鈥檚 parents to help them navigate their son鈥檚 challenges.
鈥淚t really is a team,鈥 said Ryan. 鈥淓verybody works together to keep everybody informed on what鈥檚 happening, especially in the initial stages when you鈥檙e the most vulnerable.
鈥淭hey just take the extra step to really care, even with your family,鈥 he added. 鈥淢ental illness doesn鈥檛 just affect the person who鈥檚 going through it. As much as it stinks to go through it, it touches everyone around you. The program is so accommodating and so helpful.鈥
A program that brings hope
Elaine Farash runs the Discovery Team at the Edinburg Center, a Middlesex County human services agency. She says it鈥檚 making a real impact.
鈥淭hese young people are back at school or they鈥檙e working,鈥 Farash said. 鈥淭his program brings hope. They learn that their lives don鈥檛 have to stop.聽 If they miss a semester, they can go back with support.鈥
Farash says the Discovery Team uses what鈥檚 called the Navigate model, which includes traditional therapy along with resiliency training and psychoeducation.
鈥淲e also have an educational/vocational specialist so if a person needs accommodations at college, we can help make that connection.鈥
‘Miles ahead of where I was’
Nearly two years later after starting in the Edinburg program, Ryan is about to graduate from college and is feeling much better.
聽鈥淥ne hundred percent,鈥 he said. 鈥淓very day it鈥檚 another step in the right direction. I鈥檓 still actively working with the program. My symptoms are improving. I鈥檓 miles ahead of where I was a couple years ago. It鈥檚 been a huge improvement.鈥
The Discovery Team is just one of several programs 欧美日b大片 offers to help the many young people now living with mental health challenges. To learn more, visit www.edinburgcenter.org.
The Discovery Team at 欧美日b大片 offers wrap-around mental health services to young adults experiencing First Episodes of Psychosis. Read more here and reach out to our team if you or someone you know needs help.