What’s Driving the Mental Health Challenges of Teens and Young Adults?
A 2023 Making Caring Common study worked to identify the key drivers of mental health challenges in teens and young adults.
What do teens and young adults most commonly identify as negatively impacting their mental health?
Stresses related to friendships or social life
Worry about incompetent/corrupt political leaders
Worrying that people can’t get along any more
Worry about misinformation or that there’s no truth anymore
Feeling like I’m not good at things or don’t have skills/talents
Being, or worrying about, being bullied, harassed or discriminated against
Worrying about saying or doing something seen as wrong/offensive
Political beliefs being pushed in schools
High crime rates
Gun violence in schools
Overturning of Roe vs Wade and lack of access to abortions
Stressors related to romantic of sexual relationships
Climate change or environmental problems
Worrying about money or my financial future
Stresses related to ”not knowing what to do with my life”
Achievement pressure
Feeling like things in general are falling apart
Work stressors or problems
Family stresses or problems
Social media
Choice overload
Young Adults’ MOST Perceived Drivers
Young Adults’ MOST Perceived Drivers (continued)
Teens’ MOST Perceived Drivers
© 2023 Making Caring Common