Living in a modern society, particularly under the influence of social media networks, has caused rising competition, which increases long-term academic stress among young adults. Academic stress, caused by factors such as exams, class rankings, and parental pressure for their child to succeed in a highly competitive society, significantly contributes to mental health issues among young adults.
Based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) assessment, mental disorders and self-harm constitute 19% of the total disease burden among young adults aged 10-19. Approximately 1 in 8 young adults aged 10-19 and 1 in 20 children aged 5-9 suffer from mental disorders. Mental disorders are the main contributor to poor health conditions among young adults and children aged 5-14. Mental disorders, such as behavioural disorders, anxiety disorders and depression, accounted for 12% of the total disease burden in this age group.
Moreover, a survey on psychological health and healthcare in May 2022 conducted by Rakuten Insight in Malaysia revealed that 59% of respondents aged 16-24 reported experiencing elevated levels of stress or anxiety in the past 12 months.
Depression and Anxiety are on the Rise.
Ms Lee Li Li, founder and clinical psychologist of Azon Connect People Development Sdn Bhd, revealed in an interview with the “Feminine” magazine that mental disorders such as behaviour disorders, anxiety, and depression, among children and young adults, have significantly increased, particularly due to high psychological stress. The most significant increase occurred in the late childhood period, followed by the early to mid-childhood period.
She emphasised that the social environment plays a crucial role in the mental health of young adults, with factors such as the nature and duration of the family interactions influencing their mental well-being and all these influences will accumulate throughout their lifetime. Therefore, young adults who experienced an unpleasant childhood, including academic stress, bully, abuse, neglect, violence or functional disabilities among family, peers, or community, are at the highest risk of poor mental health.
Stress is inevitable, and Ms Lee Li Li believed that an appropriate amount of stress is necessary for young adults to increase their awareness and motivation to complete the tasks such as exam stress that can encourage studying. However, Stress can also result from external factors (i.e. deadlines, difficult life decisions, or fears related to health issues, etc.) and cause physiological reactions (i.e. an increased heart rate, faster breathing, and tense muscles, etc.)
However, excessive stress can interfere with sleep quality, thoughts, learning ability, and overall quality of life, leading to symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, jaw tension, sleep disturbance, lack of energy, tiredness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The leading factors contributing to excessive stress among young adults including internet addiction, cyberbullying, learning difficulties, exam stress, low self-image, social exclusion, relationship issues, parent’s marital status, family harmony, unrealistic expectations from parents, low self-esteem, and poor learning ability.
In addressing young adults’ academic stress, Ms Lee Li Li advised that parents should respect their children instead of forcing them if they are unwilling to discuss their issues openly.
Parents as Role Models: Facing Stress Together with Their Children
Ms. Lee Li Li suggested that parents may act as role models for their children by utilising various methods in managing their stress. For instance, parents are advised to engage in outdoor activities (e.g., camping, picnicking, or rock climbing) with their children, which helps alleviating stress and strengthening family bonds. Besides, parents are encouraged to share their issues with their children to establish a relationship of mutual trust. Furthermore, parents must practice taking a step back by giving their children opportunities to explore ways to tackle their low-risk problems. This could build their confidence in the ability to handle stress and setbacks independently.
In cases where young adults exhibit a negative attitude towards stress and their academic performance is subpar, parents should not simply dismiss their concerns. Rather, they can impart positive thinking and encourage a reassessment of their child's beliefs by reflecting on instances of improvement and hard work. Academic and life stress, as proposed by Ms. Lee Li Li, can be mitigated through the adoption of certain lifestyle practices. For example, parents can encourage their children to cultivate diverse and healthy friendships by participating in charitable and community activities that promote personal growth and broaden horizons. Through exposure to diverse social circles, young adults can gain self-assurance and explore their identities.
Negative Interpersonal Relationships Can Lead to Severe Stress
According to Ms. Lee Li Li, the quality of emotional and interpersonal relationships can have a profound psychological impact on young adults. A caring and harmonious family dynamic provides a comforting sense of security, while a hostile and distrustful atmosphere can result in feelings of oppression, anxiety, and a lack of safety and trust. When young adults are consistently exposed to negative interpersonal relationships, it can lead to severe stress and various psychological disorders that significantly affect their life skills and learning capabilities.
If a child's long-term academic difficulties are causing psychological problems, it is vital to seek professional help promptly. If necessary, the child should undergo professional psychological treatment without hesitation.
Parents can offer the following self-psychological adjustment strategies to improve their children’s emotional management and resilience in coping with their academic stress.
Tips provided by Ms. Lee Li Li
Ways to Help Young Adults Cope with Stress:
a. Confiding
If young adults encounter difficulties, parents can create a safe space for them to share their feelings without being judged. They should be allowed to speak or write freely. What may seem trivial to parents could be a big deal for them, so it is important to show support and avoid belittling their concerns. However, if they are unwilling to talk to their parents, they can be encouraged to confide in other trusted individuals, such as friends or other family members.
b. Engaging in enjoyable and healthy activities
Participating in fun and beneficial activities can help reduce stress and keep young adults in a positive frame of mind. Activities such as walking, exercising, listening to music, writing, drawing or painting, socialising, watching movies or TED talks, and more can be helpful.
c. Learning relaxation techniques that they enjoy
Young adults can be taught some relaxation techniques that help relieve stress, such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and aromatherapy.
d. Engaging in positive self-talk
Young adults should be encouraged to recognise and affirm both their minor and major achievements, appreciate their strengths, as well as accept their weaknesses. This can help boost their positivity and motivation. In addition, they can be encouraged to take note of their accomplishments and skills (or even write them down) as a regular reminder of their strengths and to better understand themselves, leading to a healthier self-image.
Note: The above content is adopted from #738 Feminine. For further information and assistance, please contact us. Thank you.
Based on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) assessment, mental disorders and self-harm constitute 19% of the total disease burden among young adults aged 10-19. Approximately 1 in 8 young adults aged 10-19 and 1 in 20 children aged 5-9 suffer from mental disorders. Mental disorders are the main contributor to poor health conditions among young adults and children aged 5-14. Mental disorders, such as behavioural disorders, anxiety disorders and depression, accounted for 12% of the total disease burden in this age group.
Moreover, a survey on psychological health and healthcare in May 2022 conducted by Rakuten Insight in Malaysia revealed that 59% of respondents aged 16-24 reported experiencing elevated levels of stress or anxiety in the past 12 months.
Depression and Anxiety are on the Rise.
Ms Lee Li Li, founder and clinical psychologist of Azon Connect People Development Sdn Bhd, revealed in an interview with the “Feminine” magazine that mental disorders such as behaviour disorders, anxiety, and depression, among children and young adults, have significantly increased, particularly due to high psychological stress. The most significant increase occurred in the late childhood period, followed by the early to mid-childhood period.
She emphasised that the social environment plays a crucial role in the mental health of young adults, with factors such as the nature and duration of the family interactions influencing their mental well-being and all these influences will accumulate throughout their lifetime. Therefore, young adults who experienced an unpleasant childhood, including academic stress, bully, abuse, neglect, violence or functional disabilities among family, peers, or community, are at the highest risk of poor mental health.
Stress is inevitable, and Ms Lee Li Li believed that an appropriate amount of stress is necessary for young adults to increase their awareness and motivation to complete the tasks such as exam stress that can encourage studying. However, Stress can also result from external factors (i.e. deadlines, difficult life decisions, or fears related to health issues, etc.) and cause physiological reactions (i.e. an increased heart rate, faster breathing, and tense muscles, etc.)
However, excessive stress can interfere with sleep quality, thoughts, learning ability, and overall quality of life, leading to symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, jaw tension, sleep disturbance, lack of energy, tiredness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. The leading factors contributing to excessive stress among young adults including internet addiction, cyberbullying, learning difficulties, exam stress, low self-image, social exclusion, relationship issues, parent’s marital status, family harmony, unrealistic expectations from parents, low self-esteem, and poor learning ability.
In addressing young adults’ academic stress, Ms Lee Li Li advised that parents should respect their children instead of forcing them if they are unwilling to discuss their issues openly.
Parents as Role Models: Facing Stress Together with Their Children
Ms. Lee Li Li suggested that parents may act as role models for their children by utilising various methods in managing their stress. For instance, parents are advised to engage in outdoor activities (e.g., camping, picnicking, or rock climbing) with their children, which helps alleviating stress and strengthening family bonds. Besides, parents are encouraged to share their issues with their children to establish a relationship of mutual trust. Furthermore, parents must practice taking a step back by giving their children opportunities to explore ways to tackle their low-risk problems. This could build their confidence in the ability to handle stress and setbacks independently.
In cases where young adults exhibit a negative attitude towards stress and their academic performance is subpar, parents should not simply dismiss their concerns. Rather, they can impart positive thinking and encourage a reassessment of their child's beliefs by reflecting on instances of improvement and hard work. Academic and life stress, as proposed by Ms. Lee Li Li, can be mitigated through the adoption of certain lifestyle practices. For example, parents can encourage their children to cultivate diverse and healthy friendships by participating in charitable and community activities that promote personal growth and broaden horizons. Through exposure to diverse social circles, young adults can gain self-assurance and explore their identities.
Negative Interpersonal Relationships Can Lead to Severe Stress
According to Ms. Lee Li Li, the quality of emotional and interpersonal relationships can have a profound psychological impact on young adults. A caring and harmonious family dynamic provides a comforting sense of security, while a hostile and distrustful atmosphere can result in feelings of oppression, anxiety, and a lack of safety and trust. When young adults are consistently exposed to negative interpersonal relationships, it can lead to severe stress and various psychological disorders that significantly affect their life skills and learning capabilities.
If a child's long-term academic difficulties are causing psychological problems, it is vital to seek professional help promptly. If necessary, the child should undergo professional psychological treatment without hesitation.
Parents can offer the following self-psychological adjustment strategies to improve their children’s emotional management and resilience in coping with their academic stress.
Tips provided by Ms. Lee Li Li
Ways to Help Young Adults Cope with Stress:
a. Confiding
If young adults encounter difficulties, parents can create a safe space for them to share their feelings without being judged. They should be allowed to speak or write freely. What may seem trivial to parents could be a big deal for them, so it is important to show support and avoid belittling their concerns. However, if they are unwilling to talk to their parents, they can be encouraged to confide in other trusted individuals, such as friends or other family members.
b. Engaging in enjoyable and healthy activities
Participating in fun and beneficial activities can help reduce stress and keep young adults in a positive frame of mind. Activities such as walking, exercising, listening to music, writing, drawing or painting, socialising, watching movies or TED talks, and more can be helpful.
c. Learning relaxation techniques that they enjoy
Young adults can be taught some relaxation techniques that help relieve stress, such as breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and aromatherapy.
d. Engaging in positive self-talk
Young adults should be encouraged to recognise and affirm both their minor and major achievements, appreciate their strengths, as well as accept their weaknesses. This can help boost their positivity and motivation. In addition, they can be encouraged to take note of their accomplishments and skills (or even write them down) as a regular reminder of their strengths and to better understand themselves, leading to a healthier self-image.
Note: The above content is adopted from #738 Feminine. For further information and assistance, please contact us. Thank you.
