While almost everyone is prone to mental health problems regardless of age, most of them often start to show up at 24 years old. However, the truth is that every stage of your life can cause some significant changes to your body, emotions, and mind. It means that your mental health right now might no longer be the same as what you had 10 years ago.
The following are the major stages of life and their specific effects on a person’s overall mental health:
Table of Contents
Childhood
With good mental health, children can reach milestones, develop their social skills, learn about life and enjoy it. Since they are just getting started with learning how to manage their emotions, kids may sometimes overreact to changes, even the smallest ones. Don’t worry because this is normal.
Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Approximately half of the people who suffer from a mental illness throughout their lifetime often show some signs of the condition before they reach 14 years old. There are a few reasons behind this:
- A deepening consciousness of identity and self
- Changes in responsibilities and roles
- Peer pressure
All of these things constantly change and fluctuate throughout adolescence and young adulthood. Anxiety is also most prevalent in this particular age group. Certain eating disorders and some serious mental health issues also show up during the early 20s and late teens.
Middle Age
There is a very plausible explanation for why the phrase midlife crisis exists in the first place. Adults go through and deal with a lot of changes from their 40s to their 60s. This is the stage in life when they may be taking care of their elderly parents and their children.
During this period, they may also become bored or restless with their relationships or job. On the other hand, those who belong to this age group usually begin to care less about what other people think. It often results in feeling happier and more confident. Others may also discover new interests and hobbies as their income grows or their children grow up and leave the nest.
Older Adulthood
The moment people reach 60 years old or more, several common problems can further increase the risk of mental disorders and illness. These include:
- Loneliness
- Health conditions
- Retirement
- Life events (death of loved ones or divorce)
Many adults who are in their 60s and older often develop a mental illness. One of the most common concerns during this period is none other than depression. More often than not, mental health problems are considered normal signs of aging or mental decline. However, this is not the case at all.