As a young adult, you may face mental health challenges stemming from bullying, social media, stress, or isolation. Therapy provides a valuable opportunity for understanding your thoughts, fostering acceptance, and building emotional resilience.
Mental Health Support For Young People
Navigating life as a young adult can be challenging. As parents, we may not fully grasp the unique pressures and mental health challenges they encounter, particularly considering the significant changes in times since our youth.
During our younger years, having an online presence wasn't an integral aspect of life (it didn't even exist!), and discussions around mental health were not as open or prominent as they are today.
These days, young adults deal with a range of different pressures:
Bullying
Bullying is something people may go through at any age. However, it often affects us more when we're younger and might not have the tools to defend ourselves or the confidence to ask for help.
The effects of bullying in our youth can stick with us as we grow older, potentially influencing our lives in significant ways, like causing social anxiety or depression. Addressing it early on is crucial to prevent it from impacting young people's lives in the long run.
Social Media Pressure
We're living in the technology era, and young adults are deeply immersed in the world of social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and SnapChat expose young people to self-image concerns, bullying, and potential grooming risks. Discussing social media with most young adults can be challenging because they often put on a brave front.
Sexuality
We live in a world where young adults have never been so exposed to sexuality on social media and in films. This causes them to become more aware of their sexual orientation and activity (or lack of it) and feel self-conscious about their choices. Rather than avoiding a conversation surrounding sexuality with your child, they can open up to a therapist who has complete confidentiality. As an ‘outsider’, they may be more likely to be trusted.
College and University Students
Entering college and university can expose us to additional mental health challenges. For some, it might be the initial separation from family, while others may find the heightened exam stress overwhelming. As we near the conclusion of young adulthood, the experience can become intensely isolating and pressurised.
There are many reasons why college or university students could be facing mental health issues such as depression, but the following are some of the most prevalent:
Isolation/Being Away from Family
University marks a significant transition for many young adults, with over 50% opting for further education. Leaving home to live alone or with strangers can be daunting, leading to homesickness and mental stress. Without professional support, these issues may affect happiness, education, and future prospects.
Building a social circle in college or university is vital for mental well-being, helping combat issues like depression. However, those lacking social skills may face isolation or bullying. If talking to parents seems challenging, a therapist can provide understanding and guidance to navigate these struggles and embrace social possibilities.
Exam Stress
College and university often bring additional exams and assignments, leading to significant mental stress and anxiety. Addressing these issues while still in the educational phase is crucial, as serious mental health concerns can persist into the working world. By understanding the root causes of these emotions and addressing them at a young age, you can better prepare yourself for similar stresses in the future.
Money Issues
College and university give us a taste of freedom, both socially and financially. When we reach eighteen, not all of us are cut loose; our parents still help provide for us, shelter and pay for us when we visit home from university. Others might not have this dependency and could be estranged from their family; for them, it’s much harder to be financially stable on their own. Without role models and support, it can be hard to keep track of money, and as a result, debt could be on the horizon; thus, resulting in mental hardship.
Whether you're a parent seeking support for a young adult or a young adult in need, therapy offers valuable solutions. With my dedicated expertise and extensive experience, I provide tools and confidence for recovery. Unlike sharing with loved ones, therapy ensures confidential and unbiased support tailored specifically for you.