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Young adulthood — the period between the ages of 18 and 25 — is a time of significant personal growth and change. You might be continuing your education, starting a career, beginning to explore serious relationships and becoming more independent from your family.
The changes and decisions that often define this period of life can feel challenging, stressful and overwhelming for everyone. This is also the time when many people start experiencing mental health symptoms, as most mental health conditions present by age 25 or earlier.
It can be complicated to determine if what you are experiencing is a mental health condition beyond the typical stress or challenges of growing into adulthood. There are no blood tests or x-rays that can diagnose mental health conditions, and many indicators or symptoms of conditions overlap. For example, difficulty concentrating can be the result of a minor inconvenience or indicative of a more serious issue. This lack of clarity can lead to delays in identifying symptoms of mental health conditions and deciding on the best course of care and support.
If you start to experience mental health symptoms that are affecting your everyday life, it is essential to seek help as soon as you can. There are many forms of support and care, and the first step is gaining a better understanding of what you are experiencing in order to find the right treatment for you.
Our 2020 Mental Health by the Numbers illustrate the unique set of challenges youth and young adults experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must recognize the significant impact of these experiences on young people’s mental health — and the importance of providing the education, care and support they need.
If you are struggling with your mental health, the first step is determining if what you are experiencing is “normal” or whether it might be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition.
When it comes to disclosing the details of our mental health, there is no one “right” way to share. Read our tips on how to talk about your mental health to your university, employer and significant other.
Seeking care for your mental health can be daunting as there are so many different types of treatment and it’s hard to know what you need. Learn the basics of how to search for the right mental health professional for you.
To help support your success in college, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Explore our suggestions for managing your mental health during this time of greater independence and responsibility.
Health insurance can seem like a real mystery. There are different types of plans and many ways to receive insurance. Better your understanding of health insurance and what plan is right for you.
A presentation for middle and high school students, school staff and parents or guardians.
LEARN MOREA presentation by people with mental health conditions to promote awareness and recovery.
LEARN MOREAcross the country, thousands of trained volunteers bring peer-led programs and lived experience to your community.
LEARN MORE
Fighting for Black Mental Health
Depression & Anxiety: Mental Health Advocate Goes Viral
Bullying: Let's Talk About It
How Young Adults Can Seek Help
#NotAlone Conversation – Heading Back To School
Who To Talk To About Mental Health
Who To Talk To About Mental Health
Making A Mental Health Plan
College Guide
10 Common Warning Signs Of A Mental Health Condition
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “helpline” to 62640, or chat online. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
