Mental illness is something that impacts people of all backgrounds, ages, races, and orientations. In fact, mental illness is so prominent in American society that 1 in 5 Americans have one. From depression and anxiety disorders to schizophrenia and ADHD, mental illnesses can be painful to live with. They can also be difficult to decipher in oneself or others. For younger generations of Americans, mental health is a commonly discussed topic. Despite being in the forefront of conversations, signs of mental health issues in young adults can easily go unnoticed not only by themselves, but by those around them.

So, if it is often challenging to identify signs of mental health issues in young adults, how exactly can this be done? The best thing you and your loved ones can do is educate yourselves on the specific signs and symptoms that this age group often exhibits when experiencing a mental illness.

Young Adults and Mental Illness: What are the Signs?

There are a wide variety of signs and symptoms that young adults experiencing mental illness can display in their daily behaviors. The types of signs they exhibit can be based on a number of factors, including their age, gender, type of mental illness they have, if they are/are not abusing drugs or alcohol, and even their living environment. But, generally speaking, there are a handful of signs that this particular age group often displays when dealing with one or more mental illnesses. 

Changes in Mood 

Everyone can get moody at times, but young adults who find themselves regularly feeling moody may be dealing with something more serious. A young adult with a mental illness may experience swift and drastic mood swings where they go from one emotion to the next. They may also feel depressed or hyperactive for longer periods of time than usual. These changes in mood can make it difficult to function on a daily basis and often inhibits one’s ability to live a productive life. 

Problems with Sleep and/or Diet

Mental illness often affects one’s ability to sleep well and/or maintain a healthy diet. These two factors often play into one another, as it can be easy to look for sugary foods or caffeinated drinks to keep energy up. When a young adult suddenly starts having problems getting a good night’s rest or if they are not eating well, eating too much, or eating too little, they may be dealing with a mental illness. Those who are in a healthy mental state tend to have a much easier time sleeping and incorporating a balanced diet into their lives. 

Fears, Worries, or Nervousness

Young adults experiencing one or more mental illnesses may find themselves being constantly worried, nervous, or even fearful of certain things. They may have difficulty controlling their worrisome thoughts to a point where they begin having difficulty functioning on a daily basis. Their worries may develop into fears, also impacting their ability to live a productive life. Constant nervousness or paranoia can also occur, ultimately changing the overall behaviors of the individual.

Having Trouble With Relationships

During the young adult years, it is normal to develop many relationships. It is also normal to make mistakes within those relationships. But those who have a mental illness occurring often find it harder to have healthy relationships. For starters, they may be less inclined to meet new people and make friends. In the relationships they do have, they may not be as emotionally available to others as they would like to be. They might even struggle with mood swings to a point where some relationships become toxic or volatile. Having a number of problematic relationships can signify that a mental illness is occurring, as can withdrawing from relationships.

Additional signs of mental illness in young adults can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Poor hygiene
• Difficulty feeling emotions
• Loss of motivation
• Substance abuse 
• Problems concentrating
• Poor cognition
• Unusual behavior
• Illogical thinking

Again, the types of signs of mental illness that young adults may exhibit are often based on factors specific to them. These symptoms are only just some of the many that a young adult may experience when a mental illness is going untreated. 

Treatment for Young Adults and Mental Illness 

Young adults with mental illness often require professional treatment just as people of all other ages do. There is treatment available for the several various types of mental illnesses that this population often experiences, such as depression and anxiety. Through therapy, young adults can participate in the following evidence-based treatments to help address their symptoms and root issues:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Individual therapy
• Group Counseling
• Motivational interviewing
• Experiential therapy

Young adults who find that their mental illness is not getting better can also inquire about additional treatments, including transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. 

Mental Health Treatment at Neuroscience Institute

If you or someone you love is experiencing complications that are possibly being caused by one or more mental illnesses, reach out to us right now. We can help provide the appropriate treatment so that you or your loved one can stop being controlled by symptoms and begin taking control in your lives once more.