What's Stressing Out Young Adults Today?

Life as a young adult can feel like a constant uphill battle. Between the pressure to succeed in school or work, figure out your career, and maintaining a "perfect" social media presence, it's no wonder many of us feel overwhelmed and stressed out.

In Australia, young adults face unique challenges that contribute to their stress levels. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more young Australians are experiencing higher levels of psychological distress compared to older age groups. This trend has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a substantial impact on their mental health, educational disruption, and employment opportunities.

Unfortunately, social media can be a major source of anxiety. Being constantly bombarded with images of seemingly perfect lives and bodies, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others and feeling like we're not measuring up. This can seriously impact our self-esteem and leave us feeling inadequate and insecure. The Australian Psychological Society's survey on stress and wellbeing highlights the significant impact of social media on young Australians, with many reporting feelings of anxiety and the fear of missing out (FoMO).

Factors like social isolation, trauma, and the constant pressure to "succeed" can also contribute to mental health struggles. It's important to remember that you're not alone in this. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that young Australians tend to make use of mental health services at a higher rate than older age groups, although many still do not access the support they need.

To thrive, young adults can consider these tips: foster strong social connections, learn how to challenge negative thoughts, set healthy boundaries, prioritise self-care activities, and seek professional support when needed. In addition, Robina Private Hospital offers specialised programmes designed to support young adults in navigating these challenges.

By understanding and addressing these stressors, young adults can better manage their mental health and well-being.

References

• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2022) Mental Health of young Australians  https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/ba6da461-a046-44ac-9a7f-29d08a2bea9f/aihw-aus-240_chapter_8.pdf.aspx 
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2021) Australia's youth  https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-youth/contents/introduction 
• Australian Psychology Society (2015) Stress & wellbeing: How Australians are coping with life https://psychology.org.au/getmedia/ae32e645-a4f0-4f7c-b3ce-dfd83237c281/stress-wellbeing-survey.pdf