Young adults deal with mental health issues for a number of different reasons including life circumstances, trauma, genetic predisposition, and more. If you are a young adult yourself or if you’re a parent of a young adult, it can be challenging to navigate mental health issues and figure out how to get the help that will provide lasting results. So, many people who are dealing with young adult mental health issues may have unanswered questions. In this blog, we go over some of the most commonly asked questions about mental health issues in young adults and answer them so that people who are affected can understand what to expect from the treatment and what they should be looking for when it comes to mental health help.

Some of the most frequently asked questions about young adult mental health issues and treatment include:

What are Some of the Most Common Mental Health Issues That Young Adults Face?

Young adults who experience mental health issues need to know that they’re not alone – that other people of the same age experience the same issues. Understanding that other people of the same age group also live with these issues can help people feel less isolated. And, help them become more comfortable and motivated to get the help they need in order to manage symptoms and live a life of mental well-being.

Some of the most common mental health issues that young people experience include:

• Substance Use Disorders
• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• ADHD
• Eating Disorders

Do Young Adults Deal With Mental Health Issues More Commonly Than Other People?

Yes. Data from the National Institutes of Mental Health shows that young adults are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues. In fact, people ages 18-25 years old were at a higher risk for having a mental health condition than any other adult age group. So, these numbers mean that it’s more common for young adults to have mental health issues than any other age group of people.

Are There Certain Things That Make Young Adults More Prone to Developing Mental Health Issues?

There are some things that can increase a young adult’s risk of developing mental health issues. These things may include:

• experiencing trauma and/or abuse
• genetic predisposition for mental health issues (having mental health issues run in the family)
• being less exposed to adequate and available mental health treatment or assistance
• living in conditions that negatively affect an individual’s safety or health

Are There Specific Signs of Mental Health Issues That Can Be Recognized in Young Adults?

Yes, there are some things that loved ones of young adults can look out for if they believe that their loved one may be experiencing a mental health issue. Some of the signs of mental illness in young adults can include:

• sleep issues
• memory problems
• inability to hold concentration
• withdrawing from loved ones or previous interests
• feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and despair
• not keeping up with hygiene routines
• slipping grades in school
• not being able to control thoughts of worry or stress
• intense and sudden mood swings
• exhaustion
• suicidal ideation, behaviors (self-harm), and thoughts
• abuse of addictive substances
• low self-esteem or self-confidence

It’s important to note that symptoms of mental health issues can differ from person to person. No one person’s experience with mental illness is the same. However, identifying some of these signs can indicate that a young person may be dealing with the impacts of mental health issues or crises.

How Can Young Adults Get Help for Mental Health Issues?

Young adults may experience better, more effective help from mental health establishments that cater to young adults as a young adult’s experience with mental health issues differs from other age groups. For example, Yellowbrick offers specialized help for young adults in order to cater to their specific needs, experiences, and future goals as young people. If you’re a young person dealing with mental health issues or you have a loved one who is a young adult that you feel needs help for mental health issues, find out more about how we can help from our website.