The Story Of Adrianna

Adrianna*, 13, hadn't felt like herself. She had been spending a lot of time in her room listening to her iPod and brooding, which was unusual for the normally cheerful 8th grader.

Staying in her room was not the only change in Adrianna: her grades had fallen dramatically and she was having trouble concentrating. She'd failed a few tests and had trouble motivating herself to complete her homework. She cried alone in her room and wished she could sleep for a few years.

When her mother asked her what was wrong, Adrianna became angry and anxious. But she did not know why she reacted that way to her mother. She ran to her room and in order to stop her emotional pain she cut herself (self-mutilation) in areas that people would not notice. She hated herself for cutting, but the physical pain helped her forget her emotional pain. The cutting further contributed to her depression and confusion.

Adrianna's mother was extremely distressed over her daughter's emotional state and wanted her to get the best possible care, but was dispirited that she would not be able to afford a first-rate therapist. As a single mother with three young children, she was working full time and barely making ends meet. Her husband had walked out on the family four months earlier, sending their lives into a tailspin. Adrianna found out about Spring Bay Counseling from a referral from a school counselor. That counselor knew about our program because of the wonderful family of donors that offered a scholarship program for high risk teens.

When Adrianna and her mother came into Spring Bay Counseling, one of our therapists devoted to working with adolescents assessed Adrianna and spoke with her mom. Together they agreed for Adrianna to have weekly visits and also occasional family sessions. She would be put on scholarship. At first both Adrianna and her mom couldn't quite believe the situation. They asked "Why are you willing to help for nothing?" The therapist explained that through donations from generous individuals and organizations that genuinely care about the future and well-being of teens, we are able to provide a scholarship program.

It has not been an easy road for Adrianna. The turbulence of growing up, seeing her father drink, gamble and emotionally abuse her mother and than abandon all four of them had made it unbearable for Adrianna. Depression is very common and affects as many as one in every eight teens. Add a dysfunctional home to the scenario and the odds increase. Through therapy Adrianna has been able to recognize the reasons for her depression and acknowledge that she feels out of control. She has realized that dying is not the answer, nor is cutting, but that empowerment is the key, through the work of Christ, therapists, and especially YOU, our donors who make it possible for Spring Bay Counseling to provide these much-needed services to teens.

It was eight months ago when Adrianna first came to Spring Bay and just this week she graduated from 8th grade, with honors and with a 3.8 grade point average. She also has received a scholarship for a Catholic high school in her area. The smile Adrianna now has on her face and her dreams for the future would not have been possible without your contributions.

Adrianna is only one example of the teens who are struggling with issues of depression, chemical dependence, peer-pressure, bullying, identity issues, low self-esteem, dysfunctional family life and so much more. Statistics show that self-mutilation frighteningly is becoming the cigarette smoking of this teen generation, especially for girls as a means to try to cope with emotional pain.

It is through YOUR support that teens like Adrianna get a new beginning. This young lady has a great future ahead of her and she will forever be grateful for the scholarship that made it possible for her to gain the belief that not everyone lets her down. She may not know you individually but YOU brought her FAITH, HOPE, LOVE and THE PRINCIPLE THAT PEOPLE DO CARE FOR OTHERS.

*(For the purpose of confidentiality, the clients name was changed and specifics were kept at a minimum).