Transitioning from youth to young adult can be very challenging. Stress that is poorly managed during this transition could lead to mental health problems. Mental health problems that are not addressed timely could have a devastating impact on growing brain development. Learn more about mental health and what you can do to improve it.
Why do so many youths struggle with mental health?
A study conducted in 2022 showed more than one-fifth of youth in Ethiopia experience mental distress. This number has continued to increase over the past years, demonstrating the need to increase awareness of mental health and the many resources available to anyone seeking help.
College Students
The prevalence of mental health issues and substance abuse is higher for college students than for non-college enrolled youth. There are a number of reasons for the increased risk of mental health issues, including:
Academic Load
Many students have difficulty adjusting to the high academic load of university classes. The competitive environment of the university can put a lot of pressure on students and compromise their mental health.
Exposure to Drugs and Alcohol
College can be the first time many students are in contact with alcohol and other drugs. Exposure to these substances can alter brain chemistry and contribute to mental health problems.
Homesickness
Being far from home and without your support system can also make adapting to college life difficult. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be experienced and affect your well-being.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental Health disorders are more common than you think. Here is an introduction to the most common disorders. There may be cultural differences in how you experience and express emotional problems.
Depression
Depression interferes with your daily functioning
Depression is characterized by unbearable sadness everyday for a period of two weeks or longer. Some other symptoms include lack of enjoyment, feelings or unworthiness, lack of energy and thoughts of suicide. People with depression can also experience significant weight loss or weight gain and too little or too much sleep.
Anxiety Disorders
Inability to control your worrying
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder include constant worrying for a period of more than six months that is difficult to control. The worrying can make you irritable, tired, restless and unable to sleep. Even though it doesn’t usually have a specific focus, it can be related to upcoming and present events such as academic or professional performance.
Bipolar Disorder
Episodes of Depression and Mood Swings
When episodes of depression are accompanied by episodes or mania, this is considered Bipolar Disorder. Mania occurs when a person experiences an abnormally good mood, overindulges in pleasure, has an extremely high sense of self-esteem, has little need for sleep or gets distracted easily for a week or longer.
Psychotic Disorders
Losing the sense of reality
Psychotic disorders are a category of severe mental health disorders characterized by altered perception and thinking. Symptoms include hallucinations and delusions in which false thoughts or beliefs are perceived as real. The most common psychotic disorder is schizophrenia.
Trauma
Experiencing trauma can alter mental health
After living through a traumatic event, you may experience feelings of anger, sadness, fear and guilt. Depending on the nature and the severity of the traumatic event, this feelings can be persistent and lead to severe mental health disorders such as depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).