What are some struggles young adults face?
Young adults, meaning people between 18 and their mid-20s, face unique challenges. They’re transitioning out of high school into college or the workforce, and oftentimes from living with their family to being more independent. They have important decisions to make, new expectations to meet, and bigger responsibilities to manage.
How can those challenges impact their mental health?
Change can be both exciting and overwhelming, often leading to feelings of stress and pressure. While some stress can be motivating—helping young adults meet deadlines, stay accountable, and push through challenges—too much pressure can become harmful.
Young adults have newfound freedom to make their own decisions about skipping class, choosing friends, and drinking alcohol or using substances. Some may turn to substances to cope with stress and self-medicate, but that oftentimes leads to struggles in school, on the job, and in relationships.
How can young adults support their mental health?
Having a general understanding of what a healthy balance might look like is key to maintaining well-being.
For college students, this means asking: Are they keeping up with their studies while also maintaining a social life, staying active, getting enough sleep, and eating well?
For young adults in the workforce, consider: Are they coming home from work and isolating in their room or the basement? Are they engaging with friends and family while also supporting their overall wellness?
What are signs to watch for?
Signs to watch for that would be concerning include:
- Persistent sadness, feeling down, or “empty”
- Having unsafe thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed
- Changes in sleep or eating habits
- Substance use
How can parents or caregivers support young adults?
I recommend parents and caregivers offer support without over accommodating. Although the brains of young adults are still forming and they continue to need guidance, it isn’t beneficial to constantly step in for every decision they need to make, like which college classes to take. While it’s well-meaning, ultimately, it doesn’t help young adults become more independent and confident.
All parents fall into the trap from time to time of micromanaging their young adult. No one is ever going to do it 100% perfectly all the time. It’s not always easy to know when to step in. After all, young adulthood is a time of transition for the parent or caregiver, too.
Some questions you could ask yourself are:
- Am I doing something for the fourth or fifth time when my child could be doing it themselves?
- Am I offering guidance or am I taking over?
- Is my help building their confidence or making them more dependent on me?
Additionally, if they keep coming to you for help, consider saying something like, “I think I’ve told you the answer to this and I’ve helped as much as I can. I think this is something you can take from here.”
How should parents share concerns with their young adult?
If a parent has concerns about their young adult’s mental health, I recommend:
- Be proactive. Share your observations in a non-confrontational and supportive way. Oftentimes, the person struggling is the last person to recognize it.
- Remind them that feeling overwhelmed is normal, and they don’t have to navigate their struggles alone.
- Encourage them to talk to someone, like a therapist, college counselor, their pastor, other family members, or friends.
- Provide them with mental health resources.
- If you believe they’re in danger, call or text 988 24/7, call 9-1-1, or take them to an emergency room.
Navigating young adulthood can be difficult, but with the right support, self-awareness, and a healthy balance of independence and connection, young adults can thrive and develop the resilience needed for the future.
By Bradley L. Erickson, MD, psychiatrist, medical director of the Child and Adolescent Inpatient Care and OCD, Anxiety, and Depression Center Residential Care for Young Adults at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc
Rogers offers mental health treatment for young adults
Rogers offers compassionate and effective care for young adults. For those struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression and are having difficulty managing day-to-day life, Rogers now provides residential care specifically for 18 to 20-year-olds.
Through treatment, they will:
- Gain confidence and positive self-identity.
- Practice social, life skills, and explore vocational skills.
- Engage in a therapeutic community with those similar in age and point in life for a sense of belonging.
For a free, confidential screening, call 833-308-5887.
Part of our summer series, Sunny Days, Healthy Minds
Summer is right around the corner, and there’s never been a better time to prioritize mental health! Rogers is proud to introduce you to eight new offerings designed to fit busy summer schedules and address a variety of mental health concerns – without interfering with vacations and other beloved summer activities. Click here to learn more.
