There’s no denying that mental health can be tricky terrain to navigate, especially for teenagers and young adults who are still in the process of understanding and developing their sense of self. Anxiety and depression are two of the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses, and they present unique challenges to young people. My Warrior Mom Life delves into some of these challenges and shares tips for fostering your mental health:
Stigma
One of the biggest challenges of anxiety and depression for young people is the stigma surrounding mental illness. Many people still believe that mental illness is something you can control or cure by sheer willpower — or that it’s a sign of weakness. As such, many young people neglect to get help because they don’t want to be perceived as weak, or they fear being judged or ostracized.
Lack of Understanding
Another major hurdle for young people is when their friends and family members fail to understand their anxiety or depression. Loved ones may not be able to grasp the severity of a young person’s illness, or they might dismiss symptoms as mere mood swings or teenage behavior. This makes it difficult for teens and young adults to get the support they need from those closest to them.
Navigating School and Work
Going to school and holding down a job can be difficult when you live with anxiety and depression. Difficulty, concentration, fatigue, and social avoidance are a few symptoms that make it hard to keep up with schoolwork, attend classes, and participate in extracurricular activities. If you struggle to concentrate on your tasks or interact with coworkers, this can also lead to poor job performance.
Consider the benefits of getting an online college degree. With the flexibility it offers, online learning lets you pursue your studies at your own pace and helps you balance work and personal commitments.
If you’re passionate about numbers, you might pursue an online accounting degree. This flexible learning option allows you to study from the comfort of your home and home so that you can balance your education with other commitments. An online accounting degree furthers your career, and immersing yourself in courses tailored to your interests will help you develop technical proficiency and a deeper understanding of the financial landscape.
Isolation
Anxiety and depression can be isolating illnesses, and many young people with these conditions feel alone or misunderstood. Some even descend into hopelessness or despair because they feel like they’re the only ones going through such experiences. Those who don’t have a support system often feel like they have nowhere to turn, exacerbating symptoms and making recovery even more difficult.
Accessing Professional Help
One of the biggest challenges for young people with anxiety and depression is getting professional help. If you’re like many other teens or young adults, you’re still dependent on your parents for financial support, and accessing treatment can be expensive. Plus, insurance may not cover the cost of your mental health treatment, and transportation to and from appointments can be hard if you don’t have access to a car.
Take time to research the online therapy options available to you. Telehealth continues to rise in popularity, and you may be able to get the services you need without leaving home.
Wrapping Up
Navigating mental health can be challenging for anyone, but young people with anxiety and depression face unique obstacles. From stigma and a lack of understanding to the challenges of school and work, isolation, and access to health, teens and young adults must tread complex terrain to get the support they need.
By increasing awareness surrounding these challenges, we can work to destigmatize mental illness and increase access to resources for those who need them. And if you are a young person living with mental illness, remember that communicating clearly with the people closest to you can go a long way toward regaining control and balance in your life. Don’t be afraid to reach out to get the help you need.
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