As a clinician specializing in young adult mental health, there’s not a week that goes by without a concerned parent calling about their 20-year-old child struggling with anxiety or depression. The irony isn’t lost on anyone: these young adults have their whole lives ahead of them, filled with potential and opportunity. Yet, they’re grappling with overwhelming feelings of misery and hopelessness. If you’re a parent watching your child struggle or a 20-something caught in this paradox, know that you’re not alone, and there is hope. The Reality Behind the “Best Years of Your Life” We’ve all heard it: “Your 20s are the best years of your life!” But for many young adults, this sentiment couldn’t feel further from the truth. A recent Harvard Graduate School of Education survey revealed a startling fact: young adults aged 18-25 are experiencing anxiety and depression at rates far surpassing both teenagers and older adults. For Parents: This might seem baffling. You see a world of opportunities for your child, and you can’t understand why they’re struggling. For 20-Somethings: You might feel a sense of relief knowing you’re not the only one finding these years challenging. Why Are the 20s So Tough? Uncertainty Overload: You’re […]
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