Young people and mental health

There’s no denying that today’s world can sometimes produce the perfect storm for declining mental health in the young adults. In Aviva’s recent Story of Health report , we found that less than half of 18–24-year-olds rate their mental health as ‘good’, an indication of the unique mix of pressures young people are facing. 

For many young adults, the overwhelming pressure to succeed can feel all too real. From social media feeds to family gatherings, the persistent expectation to have their lives mapped out by their early twenties is everywhere. Reality, of course, is far more complicated – especially when it comes to their finances. According to our recent Story of Health report, 40% of 18-24-year-olds are saying that financial pressure is a major source of stress for them. This comes as no surprise when we consider the exponential rise of things like the cost of living, student tuition fees, and the social impact of ‘hustle’ culture. The expectation to juggle studies, work, and even manage side hustles can often leave young people feeling like there’s always something to catch up to. 

One way to tackle these challenges is by building more mental resilience to stress. While some of these pressures are universal and often unavoidable in today’s world, ensuring that there are always pockets of time to look after your wellbeing is a good way to build more resilience. It’s also important to recognise that seeking support is a healthy response to stress, and not a failing. 

You can learn more about managing stress and building resilience here.

Although young people today are more digitally connected to their peers than ever before—thanks to smartphones and social media—the quality of those connections matter. In fact, almost 40% of young people we surveyed said they felt lonely, highlighting a paradox at the heart of our digital age. While social media isn’t all bad and does have its benefits, the negative impact can have a profound impact on young people going through their formative years. It can be the perfect catalyst for things like:

• cyberbullying
• anxiety and depression caused by low self-esteem
• misinformation.

On the brighter side, it seems that the value of real human connection is not something that’s underestimated by young people. Our report also found that 18-24-year-old’s are the most socially active groups and spend an average of 3.3 hours a week socialising face to face outside of work or school, a sign that social media is just a small part of the way they’re choosing to socialise and be a part of a community.

When it comes to mental health, young people are often more comfortable opening up to friends and family than seeking professional help. That instinct to turn to peers first can be a lifeline but it’s not always enough. According to Aviva’s Story of Health report, just 42% of 18–24-year-olds said they had the mental health support they needed, compared to 51% across all age groups. That gap suggests a real disconnect between awareness and access to the right care. While the landscape of support is evolving with digital therapy, peer-led initiatives, and workplace schemes, it can still be seen that there’s work to do in making help feel approachable and relevant. The goal isn’t just to offer support, but to ensure young people feel safe and confident enough to use it.