Education Corner
We believe in the power of education! This section is dedicated to providing information and insights into how college-age adults can better function in the world.

Brain Science 101: The Power of Neuro-Pathways (part 4 of a 4-part series)
by Jeannie Crowell

Brain scanning and mapping have forever changed the way we treat depression, anxiety, addictions, learning disabilities, and mental illness. With current research revealing new findings every day, this field is giving people new hope for recovery. Where once disorders were considered a "mystery" or attributed to character flaws, we now know that that how we perceive and react to situations is a function of how our brains are set up.

The next step in this ground-breaking research is just beginning. Now that we have a better understanding of how the brain actually functions, we can more accurately assess and administer the best treatment. Many new treatments are being tested - some with more definitive results than others. The good news is that there is hope for young adults struggling with chronic mental health issues.

In terms of finding the most effective treatment, each individual must decide which avenue they want to take. For young adults, this is a particularly difficult decision since they are working to become autonomous and are reluctant to admit they need any help. For the professionals and the parents involved in this young adult's life, respecting the young adult's quest for autonomy is vital. The young adult needs be fully informed and know that getting help is part of being a healthy adult.

Through my years of working with young adults, I've experienced the greatest success when I explain the brain science behind the young adult's challenges and problems. Although I am not an expert in the field of neuro-science or bio-psychology, I have done extensive research in these fields for both personal and professional reasons and believe in the profound effects of understanding how our brains work.

I currently teach a highly attended class called "Emotional Intelligence" which students love. In fact, students often stay after class to ask more questions. Why? Because they are hungry to see their problems in a different light. The class gives them hope and the knowledge to approach their challenges from a different angle. Students will tease me when I have an off day and say things like "Don't mind Jeannie, she's a little short on her dopamine today," or, "Maybe Jeannie's neurons are misfiring! She'd better go work out or eat some protein!" Hmmm. I'd better be careful what I teach…the students are on to me!

As far as specific treatments, the spectrum is too wide to fully address here. But it's important to explore issues such as "What are your values?," "Do you want to try only natural interventions?," "What can you afford?," "What do you believe or not believe about your recovery?," "Are there other medical and personal factors that will affect your decision?," among other questions.

Below is what I do know, based on my work with young adults:

• Exercise, good nutrition and supplements are imperative and can sometimes make all the difference for a student with ADD, anxiety, or depression.
• Meditation relieves stress and the need to medicate with unhealthy substances or behaviors.
• Acupuncture can be very effective for ADD.
• Sometimes medical intervention is the only way out of a deep hole of depression or anxiety.
• Anti-depressants/anxiety medications can make all the difference for someone in recovery.
• Group therapy is generally more effective than individual therapy for young adults. Through group therapy young adults realize they are not alone and their struggles are validated.
• EMDR is very good for PTSD! (Look those up to find out more!)
• A thorough understanding of the brain provides a shame-free way to help young adults be truly honest about the challenges they deal with every day.

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