Take a moment and think about all of the functional skills needed in order to be competent as an adult! As young people attempt to separate from their families and move into the world as autonomous adults, many difficulties with living on your own may arise. Some areas of difficulty are in the area of executive functioning, motivation, initiative, and self-agency in relation to self-care and self-management.
Specifically, these areas include knowing how to do laundry, shop and cook and feed oneself adequately. They may also include care for their home environment-doing the dishes, taking out the garbage, vacuuming, and on a more personal level, showering regularly, shaving, and other areas of hygiene. Managing a budget, paying bills and, in general, meeting responsibilities are other areas of concern. Managing one’s time without the structure of the family flow or parental support and self-regulation around sleep patterns are also important. (The snooze button on the alarm clock is not your friend.) In general, planning, organizing, and focusing on the task at hand plays a part in a productive life for a positive well-being.
Some of the reasons that a young adult may have difficulty with accomplishing needed tasks:
Self-agency is defined as a sense that one’s self is effective and able to make an impact on their own thoughts, behavior, and actions. This sense of self is developed over a lifetime and is foundational in the establishment of autonomy -which is the primary developmental task for the young adult. As a young adult moves forward, these skills can be learned and developed over time –sometimes with the assistance of others –and a sense of self as a more confident adult in the world can emerge.
For parents of young adults transition into autonomy, of which self-care is a vital part of, visit our Parent’s Guide for Transitions in Young Adulthood.
Yellowbrick collaborates with adolescents and emerging adults, ages 16-30's, their families and participating professionals toward the development and implementation of a strategic “Life Plan.” An integrative, multi-specialty consultation clarifies strengths, limitations, and risks, and defines motivations, goals and choices.
A mental health condition that’s characterized by intense shifts in mood including both manic and depressive episodes.
People living with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, experience episodes of depression and sadness that are debilitating to daily life.
Those living with anxiety disorders experience high levels of anxiety and stress that interfere negatively with daily life.
A mental health issue in which a person’s cognitive function is impaired, resulting in symptoms like experiencing challenges with conducting speech, reading and writing, and behavior.
Mental health disorders that negatively affect a person’s behaviors, thought patterns, and function. People diagnosed with these disorders experience challenges with managing relationships and understanding various situations.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that people can develop as a result of experiencing traumatic situations, characterized by symptoms including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and more.
A mental health condition that is characterized by specific symptoms of forgetfulness and lack of concentration, which makes it challenging to complete necessary tasks.
Mental health conditions that interfere with a person’s eating habits, thought patterns, and behaviors in negative ways.
A mental health disorder diagnosable with the DSM-5 that is characterized by both obsessions and compulsive behaviors.