“After so many years without help, my daughter was glad to have a diagnosis because it meant getting good treatments. ”
Overview
Some of life's biggest changes take place between the ages of 18 and 25. During this phase, many young adults have already started to make their own choices about work, study, where they live, and their relationships. It is also a crucial time to make decisions about the future.
As responsibilities increase, it can get overwhelming at times. There are many things that can impact on a young adult’s mental health. Conflicts between their life path and family or societal expectations, challenging relationships, financial problems, and excessive alcohol or drug use are some of the influencing factors.
For families and friends, it can be difficult to watch a loved one go through hard times. Helping a young adult get through a rough patch involves understanding and respecting their growing independence, while still giving care and support.
If you feel that a young adult in your life is experiencing mental health issues, there are things you can do right away. The resources below have information and advice. If you want to support a young person, but aren’t sure where to start, we have pages on how to support someone and support for carers.