In a nation increasingly aware of the mental health struggles of its population, one group stands out as particularly vulnerable, yet largely unnoticed: young adults. Contrary to common assumptions, it’s not teenagers or the elderly who are most at risk, but those aged 18 to 25 who are grappling with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness than any other age group in America.
A 2022 study by the Harvard Graduate School of Education revealed alarming statistics: 36 percent of young adults reported anxiety, and 29 percent reported depression—figures that are nearly double those of teenagers. The study, led by Richard Weissbourd, highlighted that over half of young adults worry about financial stability, feel that the pressure to succeed is detrimental to their mental health, and believe their lives lack purpose or meaning. These findings challenge the popular narrative that teens and the elderly are the most emotionally distressed, showing that young adults are, in fact, the ones in crisis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) echoed these findings, reporting in 2020 that depression was most prevalent among 18-to-24-year-olds. A 2023 Gallup poll further confirmed that loneliness peaks during the ages of 18 to 29, with each passing year seeing an increase in young adults reporting feelings of isolation. Despite these troubling trends, the struggles of young adults remain largely overlooked.
The transition from adolescence to adulthood has always been a challenging phase. Young adults are expected to carve out their identity and establish their place in the world—a task that can be overwhelming in the best of times. Today, however, the pressures are compounded by modern challenges that make this life stage even more daunting.
Jennifer Tanner, a developmental researcher specializing in “emerging adulthood,” argues that the misconception of this period as a carefree time is deeply flawed. While older adults may nostalgically view their youth as a golden age of possibility, many young adults feel burdened by new responsibilities they are ill-equipped to handle. “We’re gaslighting the hell out of them all the time,” Tanner states, emphasizing the disconnect between perception and reality.
High school offers some degree of protection for teenagers, with adults keeping a watchful eye. However, once they graduate, young adults often find themselves alone, without the support systems they once had. Friends scatter, family may be far away, and the structure provided by school or a steady job can disappear, leaving them vulnerable and isolated.
The challenges young adults face are not just emotional but practical as well. College tuition has soared, leaving many with substantial student loans. The housing market offers little respite, with affordable housing becoming increasingly scarce. In 2022, half of all renters were spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities, a precarious situation for those just starting their careers and yet to build up savings.
The traditional social structures that once supported young adults are also in decline. Marriage and parenthood, once common by the late 20s, are now being delayed or foregone altogether. Remote work, while convenient, often exacerbates feelings of isolation, as it limits opportunities for social interaction and mentorship. Religious participation, another former pillar of community, has significantly decreased, leaving many without a built-in network of support.
This isolation is compounded by the bleak outlook many young adults have on the future. Weissbourd’s study found that nearly half of young adults feel that “things are falling apart,” with gun violence, climate change, and political instability contributing to a pervasive sense of anxiety and despair. Unlike older generations who may have a clearer vision of their future, many young adults struggle to see a path forward, further fueling their mental health struggles.
The implications of this crisis are far-reaching. A difficult start to adulthood can have lasting effects, potentially limiting career opportunities, financial stability, and social connections later in life. Millennials, who came of age during a recession, have already demonstrated the long-term impacts of such challenges, with lower wealth accumulation and higher spending on essentials compared to previous generations. If current trends continue, Gen Z could face even greater difficulties.
The solution, according to experts, cannot rely solely on individual efforts. “I don’t think we’re going to therapize or medicate our way out of this problem,” Weissbourd warns. Instead, a broader societal response is needed. This includes building “social infrastructure”—such as community programs, enhanced mental health services, and educational initiatives—that can provide young adults with the support and resources they need.
Older generations must also recognize and empathize with the unique struggles of today’s young adults. By understanding and addressing these challenges, they can help foster a culture that values personal growth over the romanticized notion of a carefree youth. This shift in perspective could make a significant difference, offering young adults not only the support they need but also the hope that the future, though uncertain, holds the potential for joy, accomplishment, and self-discovery.