TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction………………………………………………1
Academic stress…………………………………………2
Family instability………………………………………..2
Social media pressure………………………………..3
Identity crises……………………………………………3
Evidence-based strategies………………………….4
Conclusion………………………………………………..5
INTRODUCTION
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical
illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how
you act. Anxiety is intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about
everyday situations. Fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating and feeling
tired may occur. The mental health crisis among young adults is a
pressing concern, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Academic stress, family instability, social media pressure, and identity
crises are significant contributing factors. These factors often intersect
and compound each other, exacerbating the mental health challenges
faced by young adults.
ACADEMIC STRESS
Academic stress is a type of stress specifically related to the pressures
and demands of an educational environment. It encompasses feelings of
pressure, anxiety, and tension associated with academic responsibilities,
such as exams, coursework, and overall workload. This stress can stem
from various factors, including academic workload, poor peer
relationships, inadequate facilities, and academic demands exceeding a
student's coping capacity. This stress can also result in substance use
straining relationships with peers and family. Academic stress can hinder
concentration, motivation, and ultimately affect grades and academic
outcomes leading to students experiencing physical symptoms like
fatigue, headaches and stomach problems.
FAMILY INTSABILITY
Family instability refers to disruptions or changes in family dynamics,
which can impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of family
members, particularly children and adolescents. Studies show a
correlation between family instability and increased rates of depression,
anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Poor family functioning, including issues like
communication problems, lack of emotional support, and dysfunctional
relationship patterns, is consistently associated with higher rates of
depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, particularly in adolescents.
Studies have shown that parental rejection and neglect are strongly linked
to self-destructive thoughts and behaviors, including suicidal ideation.
Family instability can also contribute to the intergenerational transmission
of suicidal behavior, meaning that children growing up in unstable family
environments may be more likely to experience mental health challenges
and suicidal ideation themselves, and potentially pass these tendencies
on to future generations.
SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURE
Social pressure refers to the influence exerted by others, such as peers,
family, or society, to conform to certain expectations, norms, or behaviors.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcase idealized versions of reality,
leading to negative self-perception and body image issues among young
adults who compare themselves to these images. Social media can be a
breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can significantly impact mental
health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, it’s
example includes trolling, impersonation, flaming and other. Young adults
are vulnerable to encountering harmful content, such as pro-eating
disorder content or challenges that promote self-harm, which can have
devastating consequences. Some studies show that individuals with
depression may be more sensitive to rewards on social media, leading to a
cycle of seeking validation online and potentially worsening their
condition. There are online challenges that encourage self-harm and
suicide among participants, highlighting the dangers of exposure to
harmful content on social media.
IDENTITY CRISES
An identity crisis refers to a period of uncertainty and exploration, where
individuals question their sense of self, values, and place in the world. This
can be a normal part of development, but for some young adults, it can be
a source of significant distress. Self-discovery, exploring one's values,
beliefs, and passions can be overwhelming including social expectations
whereby Pressure to conform to certain roles, norms, or expectations can
lead to confusion. This leads to depression, feeling lost or uncertainty
about one's identity can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and
depression. The pressure to define oneself and make decisions about
one's future can cause significant anxiety and in severe cases identity
crises can contribute to suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Significant life
changes, such as moving away from home or starting a new job, can
trigger identity crises and also adapting to new responsibilities and
decision-making can challenge one's self-perception and identity.
Significant life changes can disrupt daily routines, forcing individuals to re-
evaluate their priorities, values, and sense of self and these changes can
prompt individuals to ask themselves questions like "Who am I?" "What do
I want?" and "Where am I going?".
EVIDENCE-BASED STRATEGIES THAT INSTITUTION AND
POLICYMAKERS CAN IMPLEMENT TO ADDRESS THIS MENTAL
HEALTH CRISIS
To address the mental health crisis among young adults, institutions and
policymakers can implement the following evidence-based strategies:
Universal school-based programs, implement programs like Signs of
Suicide (SOS), Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), and Good Behavior
Game (GBG) to promote mental health literacy, skills training, and suicide
prevention. Universal school-based programs, implement programs like
Signs of Suicide (SOS), Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), and Good
Behavior Game (GBG) to promote mental health literacy, skills training,
and suicide prevention. Family-focused interventions offer family therapy,
parent training, and support groups to help families manage conflict,
improve communication, and develop coping skills.
Parent-child relationship building, Foster positive parent-child
relationships through programs that promote emotional support,
validation, and guidance. Social media education, educate young adults
about the potential impact of social media on mental health, including
cyberbullying, comparison, and sleep disturbances. Online support groups,
create online support groups and forums where young adults can connect
with peers, share experiences, and receive support. Self-exploration
programs, implement programs that promote self-awareness, self-
acceptance, and identity development. Inclusive environments, Foster
inclusive environments that value diversity, promote belonging, and
support young adults in their identity development.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the rising rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among
young adults are a pressing concern, with academic stress, family
instability, social media pressure, and identity crises playing significant
roles. These factors often intersect and compound each other,
exacerbating the mental health challenges faced by young adults. For
instance, academic stress can lead to increased pressure to perform well,
which can be further intensified by social media comparison and family
expectations. Similarly, family instability can contribute to identity crises,
making it challenging for young adults to develop a sense of self and
purpose. To address this crisis, institutions and policymakers must
implement evidence-based strategies that prioritize mental health,
promote resilience, and foster supportive environments
