By Pete Maclearie, MSW, LCSW
When someone turns 18 there’s no flip of the switch that illuminates the path to independence and adulthood.
Often, young adults flounder with their new responsibilities. They can be overwhelmed and even paralyzed by expectations related to college, securing a job, living on their own, and generally managing as an adult — from filing taxes to getting their own health insurance.
In some cases, this can lead to depression, anxiety or the use of substances as an escape mechanism.
The Young Adult Program at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health offers treatment services for individuals ages 18 through the late 20s who are coping with mental health problems, including substance abuse, that are negatively affecting their sense of well-being and overall functioning.
Pressure to Achieve
According to a report released in November 2024 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of adults with mild, moderate or severe symptoms of both anxiety and depression was highest among young adults ages 18 through 29. In fact, more than 26% of young adults reported symptoms of depression or anxiety, according to the CDC.
Moreover, 39% of young adults reported using illicit drugs in 2023, the highest percentage among people ages 12 and older, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
While there are a range of factors that can contribute to mental health issues among young adults, some of the most common include:
- Finances.
- Lack of direction.
- Lack of meaning.
- Pressure to achieve, especially in the age of social media, which often focuses on displaying the perfect life.
Depression and anxiety can present myriad ways, including:
- Persistent sadness, feelings of emptiness or hopelessness.
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities previously enjoyed.
- Social isolation/withdrawal from in-person activities.
- Changes in appetite or weight.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Fatigue or lack of energy.
- Irritability.
- Excessive worry or fear.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
- Hypervigilance.
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control.
- Substance abuse.
Ongoing Support Integral
Effective coping skills and ongoing support are integral to helping young adults face life transitions, break free from societal pressures, and feel more confident to explore their own pathways.
This is where intensive therapy can help. The Young Adult Program at Princeton House helps young adults to:
- Build self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Develop healthy, adaptive coping skills in response to triggers.
- Create life goals.
- Foster independence.
- Maintain medication therapy.
- Watch for warning signs and symptoms.
- Seek connections to mental health/social supports.
- Interact positively with family.
The evidence-based treatment program includes:
- A comprehensive evaluation by a board certified psychiatrist.
- Individual assessments and sessions.
- Group therapy that features coping and life skills training and creative arts therapy.
- Family groups.
- Medication monitoring.
Young adults tend to have better treatment outcomes in programs tailored to their unique needs because of common life experiences and stressors that are different from adults. Sessions focus on age-appropriate topics like school, work, relationships, substance abuse, and other issues facing young adults. Therapists work closely and collaboratively with patients’ schools, colleges, and universities throughout the course of treatment.
Tips for Parents
If your child is struggling with the transition to adulthood, here are some tips that may help you both adjust:
- Embrace compassion. Reinforce that it’s OK not to have all the answers, especially at this stage in life.
- Remind your child not to get discouraged and to be kind to themselves.
- Help your child set realistic goals and create a reasonable pathway toward achieving them. Accept that baby steps are OK.
- Validate your child’s feelings and experiences.
- Adjust your expectations. While you may dream big and envision your child going to law school or becoming a doctor, they may need to start out by taking just one or two college courses or by getting a job that just pays the bills.
- Hold your child accountable. If they are still living at home, require them to pitch in with the chores. Compel them to get up in the morning, shower and make their bed. Doing so helps build positive habits.
- Encourage them to seek professional help.
Also keep in mind that the focus should be less about a timeline and more about whether young people are happy with their direction and goals in life.
Unfortunately, there’s no class that can teach young people how to “adult.” However, with the right support, they can lay the groundwork that enables them to continue to grow and be successful in the future.
For more information about Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health, call (888) 437-1610 or visit www.princetonhouse.org.
Pete Maclearie, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and director of outpatient services at Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health’s Eatontown site.
