Top Mental Health Takeaways from Patch Counseling
Reflecting on 2025
Now that we are settled into the beginning of 2026, it’s a natural moment to look back on the lessons and themes that shaped the past year. Throughout 2025, Patch Counseling shared insights, tools, and guidance to support teens, young adults, and families navigating stress, relationships, neurodiversity, and life transitions.
From understanding ADHD beyond stereotypes to building healthier friendships and managing seasonal stress, our most-read blogs highlighted concerns that resonated across our community. This reflection brings together key mental health takeaways from 2025, along with practical strategies that continue to be relevant as we move through the year ahead.
1. Finding the Right Mental Health Support
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but finding a therapist who matches your needs is the first step toward growth and resilience. Our March blog, Finding a Therapist and Where to Start, emphasized:
Where do I look for a therapist?
Asking about experience and/or specialities with teens, ADHD, or specific challenges.
Understanding the logistics of collaborating about treatment plan, session frequency, and virtual vs. in-person options.
Tip: Take your time researching and don’t hesitate to reach out to multiple providers before deciding. A good fit can make therapy more effective and engaging.
2. Building Healthy, Energizing Friendships
Friendships can either boost confidence or drain energy, especially during the teen years. Brittany’s blog, Choosing Your Squad: A Teen’s Guide to Friendships that Energize, Not Drain, highlighted:
Surround yourself with peers who celebrate your successes.
Set boundaries with friends who consistently bring negativity.
Recognize that it’s okay to outgrow relationships that no longer serve your well-being.
Tip: Evaluate friendships regularly and practice communicating your needs clearly, this strengthens both your relationships and your self-esteem.
3. Tackling Negative Self-Talk
Teens and young adults often struggle with self-criticism, which can affect mental health and academic performance. Brittany’s October blog, Sealing the Honmoon: A K-Pop Demon Hunter’s Guide to Takedown Negative Self-Talk, provided fun and practical strategies for:
Identifying negative thought patterns.
Challenging self-criticism with evidence-based coping statements.
Replacing harmful thoughts with affirmations or actionable steps.
Tip: Pair this with journaling or art therapy exercises to make reframing thoughts more tangible and creative.
4. Understanding ADHD Beyond Stereotypes
ADHD affects more than just attention, it can impact executive functioning, emotional regulation, and daily routines. Allison’s October post, Understanding ADHD: Beyond the Stereotypes, reminded readers that:
ADHD symptoms vary widely; no two experiences are identical.
Support strategies include organizational tools, visual schedules, and mindfulness exercises.
Early recognition and support can prevent unnecessary stress for teens and parents.
Tip: Focus on strengths while addressing challenges. Teens with ADHD often thrive with structure, advocacy, and consistent encouragement.
5. Practicing Self-Care, Especially During Seasonal Stress
The holidays can amplify stress, especially with academics, social events, and family dynamics. Allison’s blog, Coping Ahead for the Holidays: How to Reduce Stress Before It Starts, emphasized:
Planning ahead for busy schedules.
Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and movement.
Using grounding exercises and coping statements during high-stress moments.
Tip: Schedule daily micro-moments of self-care; 5–10 minutes of mindfulness, journaling, or creative expression can reduce overwhelm.
Carrying These Lessons Into 2026
As 2026 unfolds, the insights from 2025 continue to offer guidance:
Regularly check in with your mental and emotional well-being
Maintain boundaries with relationships and commitments that feel draining
Approach therapy as an ongoing support for growth, not only during crises
Keep self-care integrated into daily life, even during busy or transitional periods
Patch Counseling remains committed to supporting teens, young adults, and families as they navigate challenges and transitions throughout the year. Through therapy, education, and practical tools, our goal is to help individuals build resilience, self-awareness, and balance, one step at a time. If you are interested in beginning therapy this year, fill out a contact form and a member from our team will reach out to schedule an initial consultation.
Resources & Emergency Support
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, help is available:
911 – immediate danger
988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7 in the U.S.)
Chat via 988lifeline.org
Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ affirming support
