Healthy connections make the difference for young adults through life transitions

Young adulthood is a natural time of life transitions and self-discovery, but what happens when a young adult is having trouble finding their place in the world, or mistakes lead to unintended consequences such as a substance use disorder?

In many cases, behavioral health issues can emerge during those times of transition. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), behavioral health impacts millions of young adults. The most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health noted that 24 percent of 18-25-year-olds reported a substance use disorder while 31 percent were impacted by mental illness.

“The brain is still developing through these years as young adults are going through big life transitions and establishing their identities apart from their families,” said Rosecrance Regional President Carlene Cardosi. “It can be a difficult time for some individuals who may struggle finding their place in the world as they transition to first jobs or go off to college.”

To ease the transition, Rosecrance experts recommend that young adults find healthy connecting points outside the home. This may mean joining civic organizations or campus clubs, or perhaps checking in with a counselor.

Rosecrance’s outpatient clinics in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin provide a caring presence that will walk with young adults through this stage in life. Because counselors have diverse experiences, clients can find clinicians they can connect with and the individualized support they need.