Emerging adulthood—a transitional period between adolescence and full adulthood—comes with both life-directing opportunities and big challenges. Depending on your choices, this life stage, between ages 18 to 29, may be marked by things like starting and developing a career, starting a family, or living a life of adventure and curiosity. Whatever the case, there’s a growing sense of responsibility that young adults face as they encounter life’s challenges on their own. For some, this can also mean encountering mental health struggles for the first time.
True Life Center, known for its mental health treatment in San Diego, CA, can make a transformative difference in the life of a young person just starting out. Connect with us today by calling 866.420.1792.
Understanding Mental Health in Emerging Adults
Mental health in emerging adults is being constantly impacted by rapid change and uncertainty. During this stage, young adults grapple with questions of identity, career direction, and relationships—all while establishing varying levels of independence. Some young adults face the added stress of not being able to claim the independence that they’d like due to financial constraints.
The pressures to meet societal expectations, establish financial stability, and maintain social connections create can create a perfect storm for emotional stress.
Common Mental Health Challenges in Early Adulthood
- Anxiety disorders – The unpredictability of this life stage, combined with heightened academic, professional, and social expectations, can lead to overwhelming anxiety.
- Depression – The transition from structured adolescence to self-directed adulthood often leaves individuals feeling isolated and uncertain, contributing to depressive episodes.
- Stress and burnout – Balancing work, education, and personal growth can push young adults to their limits, resulting in chronic stress and burnout.
A study published in 2020 found nearly 11% of adults aged 18-25 experienced major depressive episodes, which was far greater than 50-year-olds at 4.8%.1 These results point to a very real need to prioritize mental health in early adulthood. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone and help is available to you. Reach out to True Life for the mental health support you deserve.
Why Emerging Adults Face Unique Stressors
While challenges during early adulthood are not new, today’s young adults face pressures that are distinct from previous generations. Some of the most impactful factors include:
- Social media – Scrolling social media platforms can amplify feelings of inadequacy and comparison, fostering anxiety and low self-esteem.
- Economic strain – Rising student debt and the cost of living can make financial stability harder to come by, and lead to frustration for people who are typically in a more idealistic stage of life.
- Delayed milestones – Milestones like marriage, homeownership, and career stability are postponed for many young people, which can lead to disillusionment with how they’d hoped their adult lives would progress.
Modern stressors can compound emerging adulthood challenges. People are discovering who they are and it’s a great time to better understand how to best care for individual mental health.
Support and Strategies for Young Adult Mental Health
Unmanaged anxiety and depression can hinder personal growth, strain relationships, and negatively impact career trajectories. Early intervention and support are essential to foster higher levels of resilience and prevent long-term mental health concerns. Here are some proactive strategies to help:
- Build a support network – Surround yourself with friends, family, and mentors who can provide encouragement, comfort, and guidance.
- Practicing self-care – Find activities that promote physical and emotional well-being, such as regular exercise, nourishing foods, and mindfulness practices.
- Seeking professional help – Enlist the support of a mental health professional who understands the challenges of emerging adulthood.
- Limit social media use – Reduce exposure to content that triggers comparisons or negative self-talk.
True Life’s integrative services combine evidence-based therapies like CBT, mindfulness, and nutritional counseling to help young adults connect to their whole being. When managing all of the expectations of adulthood and taking care of your mental health feel like too much, reach out to True Life.
Call True Life Today and Take Control of Your Mental Health
True Life Center, located in San Diego, CA, wants to help you reach your goals and achieve everything you want in life. In order to do that, you’ll need to understand yourself and others as well as possible. Get specialized outpatient mental health care tailored to the needs of emerging adults. Our approach includes individualized treatment plans, holistic therapies, and flexible schedules that are perfect for your busy life.
Come and find your most authentic self and begin living a life you’re really proud of from this point forward. Call 866.420.1792 today or contact us online to find out how.
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