Anxiety, Stress & Coping

Study Title: Young Adults Experiences with Mental Health Services

The authors whose names are listed below certify that they are neither involved nor affiliated with any entity or organization, and have neither non-financial (either professional or personal) nor financial interest (stock-ownership, consultancy, employment, educational grants, or honoraria) in the materials discussed in, or the subject matter of this paper.

Author Name:

Authors Signature:

Acknowledgements

I am highly grateful to my instructor, XXX, who has been an exceptional source of support throughout this study. Without his advice, ideas and corrections, this research would not have been possible. His knowledge, and continuous flexibility have ensured this study addresses all crucial details and his motivation has kept me on track from when I developed my first concept note to this final draft. I also acknowledge my colleague XXX at XXX College, who went out of their way to assist me in data entry, verification, and who was always there to offer review and advice related to data analysis. Finally, I acknowledge the contributions of XXX, the head librarian at XXX college, who offered immense support on relevant manuscripts that provided crucial insights on how to select, design, and arrange survey items. The expertise of each one of them helped in ensuring the success of this research study and in correcting many errors that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Abstract

This study sought to determine young adults experiences with the mental health services in their communities. Mental well-being for young adults is crucial as it influences their motivation levels, which, in turn, affects their academics, relationships, and ability to be productive citizens. Unfortunately, mental health problems for young adults continue to be overlooked and most of the existing services and studies are targeted at the general population, with no specific focus on the needs of young people. This quantitative study sought to address this gap by investigating the extent to which young people utilize the available mental health services, how satisfied they are with the existing services, and the obstacles that hinder them from effectively utilizing such services. The target population was college students aged between 18 and 25 in colleges in Florida. A sample of 150 participants was selected randomly and data collected using an online survey. Chi-square tests, odds ratios, and regression analyses were conducted to identify the dependence and strengths of associations between variables. The study found that on average, only 35% of young people are aware about the mental health services available in their communities, and 82% of these have sought counselling to address their mental health issues. Most young people prefer tele-counselling to conventional counselling as it is more convenient and less intrusive. Chi-square and odds ratio analyses show a statistically significant relationship between race, gender, and mode of study and mental health services utilization rates. Males, African-Americans and full-time students are more likely to seek mental health services. Generally, young people were dissatisfied with the quality of conventional and virtual counselling services they received. The most statistically significant barriers to effective utilization were the fear to be perceived as crazy, lack of information on when and where to seek care, lack of insurance and financial resources, preference for alternative mental health treatments, and fear of ruining ones employment prospects. The study recommends expansion of tele-counselling services for the youth, raising awareness among young people on when and where to seek care, development of mental health safety net programs, enrolment of all eligible youth into Medicaid, and integration of mental health in hospitals to reduce stigmatization.

Key words: mental health, young people, counselling, access, utilization

Young Adults Experiences with Mental Health Services

Author

Department, College/University Name, Country Name

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as "a condition of well-being in which one understands his or her own potential, can cope with everyday stressors, work, and contribute to his or her community" (Lee et al., 2015). Mental health wellbeing is a crucial aspect of young adults life as it can affect their academics due to low motivation, lack of focus, and isolation, and the ability to be well-rounded successful productive citizens. Many young people have poor mental health mainly due to academic stress, witnessing or experiencing Intimate partner violence (IPVP) in their homes, social disadvantage, abuse, abandonment, and bullying (Kirker et al., 2022). Anxiety and depression are the two main reported mental health challenges that are associated with this group. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of students seeking mental health services increased due to various disruptions that increased their vulnerability to psychological distress (Lee et al., 2021). Students were forced to abandon their classrooms and focus on e learning, which was quite difficult especially for the first few months. Many students struggled to stay engaged while others had to lose their employment, part time jobs, and socializing opportunities.

Prior to the pandemic, very few studies focused on the mental health of students and young adults as the focus is mainly on older people. Even though youths mental health problems are often overlooked, if effective intervention is not provided, many wind up with lasting harmful effects. Some develop behavioral problems, suicidal ideation, intrusive thoughts, and substance abuse, antisocial behaviors that prevent them from being socially competent individuals (Appleton et al., 2021). In some extreme cases, the youths commit suicide especially if they feel extreme stress, or experience traumatic experience like rape, cyber bullying, neglect or physical abuse.

Over the years, many studies focused on mental health services that are provided for adults without considering the needs of young adults (Meherali, et al., 2021). However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of mental health problem among youths gained more attention because of isolation that worsened the symptoms. The lockdowns that were recommended by the CDC caused many youths to stay indoors without any form of one-on-one interaction with friends. Many relied too much on social media, which caused some to develop body image issues, depression and anxiety, and bullying or suicidal ideation (Hollis, 2022). Academic stress was also a major issue especially because students were forced to adapt fast to using technologies in the new environment. Many longitudinal studies that were conducted during this period showed that students wellbeing had worsened due to the pandemic. The students were more likely to experience depression or high anxiety levels compare to their wellbeing before he pandemic. The studies however did not show accessibility of mental health services at schools because the students were on lockdown during the pandemic period.

Although some students adapted fast, many are continuing to recover from the negative consequences that the pandemic had on their mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, there were limited mental health resources where such youths could seek support. Many could not access the services due to the long waits, because the clinic specialists…

Anxiety, Stress & Coping

Study Title: Young Adults Experiences with Mental Health Services

The authors whose names are listed below certify that they are neither involved nor affiliated with any entity or organization, and have neither non-financial (either professional or personal) nor financial interest (stock-ownership, consultancy, employment, educational grants, or honoraria) in the materials discussed in, or the subject matter of this paper.

Author Name:

Authors Signature:

Acknowledgements

I am highly grateful to my instructor, XXX, who has been an exceptional source of support throughout this study. Without his advice, ideas and corrections, this research would not have been possible. His knowledge, and continuous flexibility have ensured this study addresses all crucial details and his motivation has kept me on track from when I developed my first concept note to this final draft. I also acknowledge my colleague XXX at XXX College, who went out of their way to assist me in data entry, verification, and who was always there to offer review and advice related to data analysis. Finally, I acknowledge the contributions of XXX, the head librarian at XXX college, who offered immense support on relevant manuscripts that provided crucial insights on how to select, design, and arrange survey items. The expertise of each one of them helped in ensuring the success of this research study and in correcting many errors that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Abstract

This study sought to determine young adults experiences with the mental health services in their communities. Mental well-being for young adults is crucial as it influences their motivation levels, which, in turn, affects their academics, relationships, and ability to be productive citizens. Unfortunately, mental health problems for young adults continue to be overlooked and most of the existing services and studies are targeted at the general population, with no specific focus on the needs of young people. This quantitative study sought to address this gap by investigating the extent to which young people utilize the available mental health services, how satisfied they are with the existing services, and the obstacles that hinder them from effectively utilizing such services. The target population was college students aged between 18 and 25 in colleges in Florida. A sample of 150 participants was selected randomly and data collected using an online survey. Chi-square tests, odds ratios, and regression analyses were conducted to identify the dependence and strengths of associations between variables. The study found that on average, only 35% of young people are aware about the mental health services available in their communities, and 82% of these have sought counselling to address their mental health issues. Most young people prefer tele-counselling to conventional counselling as it is more convenient and less intrusive. Chi-square and odds ratio analyses show a statistically significant relationship between race, gender, and mode of study and mental health services utilization rates. Males, African-Americans and full-time students are more likely to seek mental health services. Generally, young people were dissatisfied with the quality of conventional and virtual counselling services they received. The most statistically significant barriers to effective utilization were the fear to be perceived as crazy, lack of information on when and where to seek care, lack of insurance and financial resources, preference for alternative mental health treatments, and fear of ruining ones employment prospects. The study recommends expansion of tele-counselling services for the youth, raising awareness among young people on when and where to seek care, development of mental health…

Anxiety, Stress & Coping

Study Title: Young Adults Experiences with Mental Health Services

The authors whose names are listed below certify that they are neither involved nor affiliated with any entity or organization, and have neither non-financial (either professional or personal) nor financial interest (stock-ownership, consultancy, employment, educational grants, or honoraria) in the materials discussed in, or the subject matter of this paper.

Author Name:

Authors Signature:

Acknowledgements

I am highly grateful to my instructor, XXX, who has been an exceptional source of support throughout this study. Without his advice, ideas and corrections, this research would not have been possible. His knowledge, and continuous flexibility have ensured this study addresses all crucial details and his motivation has kept me on track from when I developed my first concept note to this final draft. I also acknowledge my colleague XXX at XXX College, who went out of their way to assist me in data entry, verification, and who was always there to offer review and advice related to data analysis. Finally, I acknowledge the contributions of XXX, the head librarian at XXX college, who offered immense support on relevant manuscripts that provided crucial insights on how to select, design, and arrange survey items. The expertise of each one of them helped in ensuring the success of this research study and in correcting many errors that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Abstract

This study sought to determine young adults experiences with the mental health services in their communities. Mental well-being for young adults is crucial as it influences their motivation levels, which, in turn, affects their academics, relationships, and ability to be productive citizens. Unfortunately, mental health problems for young adults continue to be overlooked and most of the existing services and studies are targeted at the general population, with no specific focus on the needs of young people. This quantitative study sought to address this gap by investigating the extent to which young people utilize the available mental health services, how satisfied they are with the existing services, and the obstacles that hinder them from effectively utilizing suchservices. The target population was college students aged between 18 and 25 in colleges in Florida. A sample of 150 participants was selected randomly and data collected using an online survey. Chi-square tests, odds ratios, and regression analyses were conducted to identify the dependence and strengths of associations between variables. The study found that on average, only 35% of young people are aware about the mental health s.......ntal health issues. Most young people prefer tele-counselling to conventional counselling as it is more convenient and less intrusive. Chi-square and odds ratio analyses show a statistically significant relationship between race, gender, and mode of study and mental health services utilization rates. Males, African-Americans and full-time students are more likely to seek mental health services. Generally, young people were dissatisfied with the quality of conventional and virtual counselling services they received. The most statistically significant barriers to effective utilization were the fear to be perceived as crazy, lack of information on when and where to seek care, lack of insurance and financial resources, preference for alternative mental health treatments, and fear of ruining ones employment prospects. The study recommends expansion of tele-counselling services for the youth, raising awareness among young people on when and where to seek care, development of mental health safety net programs, enrolment of all eligible youth into Medicaid, and integration of mental health in hospitals to reduce stigmatization.

Key words: mental health, young people, counselling, access, utilization

Young Adults Experiences with Mental Health Services

Author

Department, College/University Name, Country Name

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental health as "a condition of well-being in which one understands his or her own potential, can cope with everyday stressors, work, and contribute to his or her community" (Lee et al., 2015). Mental health wellbeing is a crucial aspect of young adults life as it can affect their academics due to low motivation, lack of focus, and isolation, and the ability to be well-rounded successful productive citizens. Many young people have poor mental health mainly due to academic stress, witnessing or experiencing Intimate partner violence (IPVP) in their homes, social disadvantage, abuse, abandonment, and bullying (Kirker et al., 2022). Anxiety and depression are the two main reported mental health challenges that are associated with this group. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of students seeking mental health services increased due to various disruptions that increased their vulnerability to psychological distress (Lee et al., 2021). Students were forced to abandon their classrooms and focus on e learning, which was quite difficult especially for the first few months. Many students struggled to stay engaged while others had to lose their employment, part time jobs, and socializing opportunities.

Prior to the pandemic, very few studies focused on the mental health of students and young adults as the focus is mainly on older people. Even though youths mental health problems are often overlooked, if effective intervention is not provided, many wind up with lasting harmful effects. Some develop behavioral problems, suicidal ideation, intrusive thoughts, and substance abuse, antisocial behaviors that prevent them from being socially competent individuals (Appleton et al., 2021). In some extreme cases, the youths commit suicide especially if they feel extreme stress, or experience traumatic experience like rape, cyber bullying, neglect or physical abuse.

Over the years, many studies focused on mental health services that are provided for adults without considering the needs of young adults (Meherali, et al., 2021). However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of mental health problem among youths gained more attention because of isolation that worsened the symptoms. The lockdowns that were recommended by the CDC caused many youths to stay indoors without any form of one-on-one interaction with friends. Many relied too much on social media, which caused some to develop body image issues, depression and anxiety, and bullying or suicidal ideation (Hollis, 2022). Academic stress was also a major issue especially because students were forced to adapt fast to using technologies in the new environment. Many longitudinal studies that were conducted during this period showed that students wellbeing had worsened due to the pandemic. The students were more likely to experience depression or high anxiety levels compare to their wellbeing before he pandemic. The studies however did not show accessibility of mental health services at schools because the students were on lockdown during the pandemic period.

Although some students adapted fast, many are continuing to recover from the negative consequences that the pandemic had on their mental wellbeing. Unfortunately, there were limited mental health resources where such youths could seek support. Many could not access the services due to the long waits, because the clinic specialists were unable to keep up with the surge in demand (Hollis, 2022). Others relied on virtual therapy or online therapy although the effectiveness of such services had not been thoroughly researched.

In addition to lack of adequate resources and difficulty accessing mental health services, studies show that other factors such as stigmatization of mental health problems, poor interactions with the mental health practitioners, misconceptions and feelings of judgment, and feelings of shame among others prevent youths from seeking mental health services (Appleton et al., 2021). Consequently, they continue experiencing increased trauma symptoms, depression and anxiety levels among other mental health symptoms. Giv