Millennials are considered an anxious generation, which is often attributed to an obsession with technology, overbearing parents and the stress that comes with trying to fit into a social media-driven world. But, according to experts, the anxiety and often depression experienced by young adults lies in uncertainty.
Fresh Student Living have looked at what is to blame for the recent rise in anxiety among young people.
What Age do Mental Health Problems Occur?
Official mental health statistics show that mental disorder, distress, and feelings of depression among millennials are at an all-time high, more than trebling in the last few years. Additional data reveals even more shocking numbers:
• 1,180 students left university in early 2014 -15 due to mental health problems
• 8 million people suffer from some form of anxiety disorder in the UK
• 50% of mental health problems occur by the age of 14 and 75% by age 24
• Almost five times as many students suffer from a mental health condition compared to 10 years ago
• More than 15,000 students in the UK disclosed a mental health issue in 2015 -16, compared to 3,000 in 2006
• 87,914 students requested counselling in 2015 -16, a 28% rise from 2013 – 14
• In 2015, 2.5% of female students and 1.4% of male students disclosed a mental health issue compared to 0.5% for both sexes in 2009 -10
Factors that Influence Student Mental Health
While the rise of technology and pushy parents are certainly contributing factors, psychologists suggest that it is the uncertainty of the future that impacts students the most. Experts suggest that the current generation of university students experience greater pressure than previous generations due to increased study costs and a highly competitive job market.
Today, millennials spend more time studying compared to previous generations, have more competition in their career, and find it more difficult to achieve job satisfaction. They also marry later in life, spending a larger portion of their lives making it on their own.
While uncertainty over things like careers, relationships and social acceptance are normal triggers for anxiety, just looking at the number of students experiencing mental health problems prove that there is a real issue.
