Young adults (ages 18-27) often experience a mixture of excitement, doubt, and anxiety as they launch into adulthood. Throughout high school, adolescents crave the freedoms associated with turning 18. While autonomy is important to successfully navigate adulthood, many young adults need additional support to feel equipped for healthy independence. There is no “one-size fits all” approach because everyone has unique strengths and challenges. However, there are some communal supports and appropriate skills that serve as the foundation for a healthy launch into adulthood. I will highlight some of the common challenges that young adults face and propose solutions for how parents and other supportive figures can assist in the transition into adulthood.
Social Challenges in a Post-Pandemic World
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many young adults have developed social anxiety from a lack of social connection during key developmental periods. They had a significantly different high school and/or college experience than the classes before and after them due to online and hybrid learning. This increased reliance on technology led to many young adults lacking foundational social skills. Social inexperience can cause individuals to feel socially inept and fearful, leading to avoidance of social settings.
In my clinical experience, therapeutic interventions help increase young adults’ adeptness in social settings. For example, DBT interpersonal effectiveness skills results in confidence and reported reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, exposure to safe peer interactions and social environments in group therapy can help individuals practice and improve their social skills and competence. Ultimately, group therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals can receive feedback and support to build both social and life skills.
The Pressure of Expectations and the Fear of the Unknown
Many young adults struggle with perceived expectations of their roles in the “real world” and generally what their futures will entail. After finishing high school, young adults generally follow one of a few different trajectories (no path being better than the next): community college or university, trade school, military, work force, or the unknown. While there is some guidance through societal expectations of the first three paths, the unknown path can feel lonely and scary. At times, it can feel as if the unknown results in being left behind by peers. If such feelings persist, there is an increased risk of anxiety and depression, which can cause a decline in mental health overall. Whether young adults take one of the traditional or the unknown path, it is important that young adults feel supported and capable, which will improve their likelihood of success and maintaining their mental health.
Helping Young Adults Build Confidence and Purpose
Parents and/or mentors can help their young adults explore their strengths and challenge their perceived flaws. Importantly, comparison culture can create unrealistic and unattainable standards for young adults. Comparing “mainstream” paths can lead to insecurity and shame. To combat such comparisons, focus on the young adults’ potential through a curious lens. What unique talents can be cultivated and translated into a future with purpose? These key discussions can enhance motivation and an overall sense of purpose.
Young adulthood has its challenges, which at times, can feel hopeless for the young adults and their support networks. However, when they are equipped with appropriate and healthy support solutions, shifted mindsets and brighter futures are attainable.
Join Our Young Adult Process Group
As previously mentioned, healthy peer support with a clinician led group therapy helps individuals shift from negative self-talk and isolation to a normalization of common struggles and solution-focused support.
Queen City Counseling and Consulting offers a clinician led 1.5-hour, weekly young adult process group. Please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if this group meets the desired support and needs of you or the important young adult in your life.
