Rising Mental Health Issues Among Young Adults in the US

April 5, 2024

Root Causes: Exploring Financial Strains, Social Isolation, and Societal Pressures Amplifying Mental Health Struggles Among Today’s Youth in the US

The prevalence of mental health issues such as depression and other mental disorders among young adults in the United States has significantly increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as indicated by a series of reports.

Impact of COVID-19 on Young Adults’ Mental Health

The latest World Happiness Report, published annually by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, reveals a substantial decline in happiness among individuals under 30, particularly in the US. The report also highlights the exclusion of the US from the index’s 20 happiest countries for the first time since its inception in 2012, signifying a notable decline in happiness.

Notably, the division of respondents by age in the latest report emphasizes the substantial mental distress experienced by young people, complementing previous reports that have consistently highlighted the challenges faced by this demographic.

Findings from Recent Reports

Reports have consistently showcased the sharp decline in mental health among young adults since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2023 State of Mental Health report from Mental Health America revealed that a significant percentage of high school students encountered difficulties with school work and experienced emotional and physical abuse during lockdowns. Additionally, the report highlighted food insecurity among this demographic.

Furthermore, the US Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey indicated elevated levels of anxiety and depression among young adults following surges in COVID-19 cases. Surveys by the Pew Research Center and the February 2024 Student Mental Health Landscape report by Wiley echoed these findings, emphasizing the widespread mental distress experienced by young adults.

Common Mental Health Disorders

Young individuals are grappling with various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, and substance abuse. Admiral Dr. Rachel Levine, the assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasized the prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, suicidality, and substance use among youth.

Factors Contributing to Mental Distress

Several factors contribute to the heightened mental distress experienced by young people, including:

Financial Worries: The escalating cost of university fees and living expenses has emerged as a significant source of concern for young adults, impacting their mental well-being. Studies have highlighted the adverse impact of financial worries on mental health, with a substantial percentage of young adults citing tuition fees and living costs as major challenges.
Economic Burden of Education: The increasing financial burden of pursuing higher education, evidenced by a substantial rise in college costs over the past few decades, has compounded the financial stress faced by young adults.

In sum, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges among young adults in the US, with financial concerns and the economic burden of education contributing to their distress. Addressing these issues is crucial in safeguarding the mental well-being of the younger generation.

Loneliness

The Wiley study highlighted that respondents mentioned feelings of isolation and loneliness. The Harvard study found that 44 percent of young adults felt like they didn’t matter to others, while 34 percent reported experiencing loneliness.
A 2023 Gallup poll indicated that while overall loneliness has decreased since early 2021, young adults and individuals in lower-income households are more likely to feel lonely than other age groups.
Some experts attribute this trend to increased social media use, which can lead to “virtual isolation” or social disconnection due to excessive mobile device usage.
In May 2023, US Surgeon General Vivek H Murthy released a report on the impact of social media on mental health, emphasizing that loneliness has significant adverse effects on individual and societal well-being, increasing the risk of various health issues and premature death.
Dr. Murthy described loneliness as the subjective feeling of lacking necessary social connections, leading to a sense of abandonment or disconnection from one’s community, even when surrounded by people. He emphasized the absence of closeness, trust, and genuine affection from friends, loved ones, and the community as key components of loneliness.

Social Issues

The 2022 Harvard study revealed that 42 percent of respondents were negatively affected by the presence of gun violence in schools, while 34 percent expressed concerns about climate change and 30 percent were worried about political corruption.
In a 2018 survey by the Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association, 75 percent of individuals aged 15 to 21 reported significant stress due to mass shootings.

Addressing the Crisis

Addressing mental distress among young adults, particularly in the US, presents considerable challenges.
Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of the Wellbeing Research Center and editor of the World Happiness Report, emphasized the urgent need for policy action to support children in parts of the world experiencing mental distress similar to a midlife crisis.
Experts suggest that it is crucial to help young people develop stronger relationships, provide them with a sense of purpose, and create a supportive environment to help them achieve their future goals.
Campaigners stress the need for greater attention from governments, educational institutions, workplaces, and other organizations to address many young people’s emotional struggles.

Source:

AlJazeera (April 1, 2024). Why are so many young Americans suffering from mental distress?. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/1/why-is-depression-so-high-with-young-adults-in-the-us. Accessed April 5, 2024