The Biggest Young Adult Challenges for Gen Z

Emerging adults, defined as those between the ages of 18 and 29, are often more susceptible to mental health issues. That’s because they’re still establishing their personal identity, finding a direction in life, and forming relationships. But young adults today are facing challenges now that young adults just 10 years ago weren’t up against, from soaring home prices to AI competition in the job market.

Without healthy coping skills, young people confronting challenges related to “adulting” may experience mental health issues, self-medicate stress with substances, and struggle to become independent. But with support, young adults can develop the necessary coping and life skills to move through this important life stage with confidence.

What You’ll Learn

• What challenges are emerging adults facing in today’s world?
• Why are so many young adults reporting mental health conditions and substance use disorders?
• What are some ways you can help a young adult who is struggling?
• When should a young adult seek mental health treatment?

What Is Emerging Adulthood?

The term “young adult” typically describes those between the ages of 20 and 39. However, in the early 2000s, psychologist and researcherJeffrey Jensen Arnett, PhD, coined the term “emerging adults” to describe those between the ages of 18 and 29. He surveyed members of this age group for five years and discovered common themes that signified that this stage of life was developmentally significant and worth its own moniker.

The American Psychological Association (APA) summarizes Arnett’s findings, describing the emerging adulthood phase as having these characteristics:

• Instability
• Identity exploration
• Self-focus
• Feeling “in between”
• Possibilities

Emerging adults are generally working on developing their sense of self, open to new directions, and uncertain of which path or paths they should take. This season of life is marked by transition, discovering interests, exploring options, and making independent choices.

In 2017, the Handbook of Life Course Development described emerging adulthood this way: “No stage in life, other than perhaps infancy, experiences such dynamic and complex changes on the personal, social, emotional, neuroanatomical, and developmental levels. For the 10 years between 18 and 28, the vast majority of emerging adults change [their] living situation, change their primary relationships, complete education or vocational preparation, get married, have children, and transition from adolescent/dependent roles to adult/independent roles.”

Changing Times and Unmet Expectations

While emerging adulthood remains a developmentally significant time, the culture and expectations in the United States have changed significantly in the past decade. Many individuals in young adulthood do pick a career, get married, and find a more permanent living situation. But many others have been delayed or deterred from that path—and some are declining it altogether.

In the struggle to become more financially independent, some young adults are putting off marriage and children. And they are still renting or living with parents instead of buying their own homes. Economic instability and the introduction of AI have had implications for professional career choices and job opportunities.

Moreover, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression have become more prevalent, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Given all these factors and more, it’s clear that today’s young adults are in crisis.

The 10 Most Common Young Adult Challenges

Emerging adults are dealing with a rapidly changing world. It seems like there are more options for building a bright future than ever before, yet more young adults are lonelier and more anxious than ever before.

Here are some of the most common young adult challenges:

1. Superficial connections and fear of missing out, perpetuated by dating apps and social media
2. Inflation and economic instability, driving up mortgage prices, rent, groceries, and essentials
3. Fear and helplessness related to environmental issues and the negative mental health impacts of climate change
4. Rising student debt and tuition expenses, making it tougher to pay off loans
5. The fracturing of communities due to an increased ability to live in other places, work remotely, and connect with people online—leaving more people feeling left out and isolated
6. An increasingly polarized political environment both nationally and globally, affecting the economic, social, and cultural climates
7. A volatile job market and a lack of knowledge regarding what skills are needed to stand out to employers
8. Difficulty leaving home due to anxiety and/or lack of self-confidence, known as “failure to launch”
9. Negative emotional repercussions related to perfectionism, often as a result of constant comparison with others
10. Mental exhaustion due to coping with the repercussions of all of the above

More options and opportunities can ultimately be confusing and cause some young adults to resist picking a direction—or regretting the one they pick. They find themselves struggling with “how to adult” as they attain less responsibility and remain unsure how to do what’s expected of them. Technology can also offer a quick escape or entertainment, making it easier to avoid interaction or build resilience in the face of discomfort or difficulty.

Mental Health and Emerging Adults

All of these factors have an impact on the mental health of emerging adults. According to a 2023 Harvard graduate school study, Making Caring Common, the state of young adult mental health is concerning:

• 36 percent of young adults reported experiencing depression
• 29 percent reported experiencing anxiety
• 58 percent said they lacked meaning or purpose in their lives
• Half said their mental health was affected by not knowing what to do with their lives
• More than half said financial worries and achievement pressure affected their mental health
• 44 percent said they felt like they didn’t matter to others
• 34 percent reported loneliness

Young adults also cited gun violence in schools, political corruption or volatility, and climate change as contributors to poor mental health.

According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, young adults aged 18–25 were the most likely out of all adults to experience any mental illness or substance use disorder in the past year—nearly 47 percent, or approximately 16 million people. They were also the most likely to experience a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health condition, at 14 percent.

5 Evidence-Based Coping Strategies for Young Adults

How can you help a young adult who is struggling? Coping strategies and support are key for young adults as they try to gain their footing. Modeling a healthy lifestyle, building real connections, and being present to listen can reassure young adults that the struggles they are facing won’t last forever. Here are some ways young adults can cope with difficult or unforeseen challenges:

1. Limit exposure to social media, news, and technology in general

Technology can be helpful for many things, but it can also make our mental health worse. Taking breaks from a high exposure to stimulation, especially if it’s negative or escapist, can help young adults reconnect with the world around them, and it can reduce feelings of anxiety.

2. Exercise and spend time in nature

Moving your body and exposure to nature has a positive effect on mental health and physical wellness.

3. Tap into creative expression

Drawing, painting, writing, and other creative activities can be uplifting and help release tension and anxiety.

4. Reach out to friends and family

Strong connections can reduce feelings of depression and help young adults feel heard. Seeing a therapist is also recommended for those dealing with mental health symptoms.

5. Access mental health treatment

For young adults who are turning to substances, isolating, neglecting personal hygiene, having sleep problems, dealing with suicidal thoughts, increasing risk-taking behaviors, or becoming apathetic in regard to work and relationships, treatment may be the right option. A structured residential program or outpatient support can help young adults get to the root of their issues, find support for recovery, and learn how to thrive again.

Mental Health Treatment for Young Adults

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or substance use issues, Newport Institute can help. Our program is specially designed to equip young adults with the coping and life skills they need to regain their footing and mature into full-fledged adulthood.

We use a compassionate approach and evidence-based therapeutic methods to address key issues that young adults are facing, meeting their needs and helping them discover how to live fulfilling lives as they transition into mature adulthood. Contact us today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions