18-24 Demographic in United States

 Stresses Affecting the 18-24 Age Group More Than Other Ages

1. **Transitioning to Independence**  
   - Moving out of the family home or transitioning to college/work.
   - Financial pressures such as paying for rent, tuition, or beginning to manage finances.

2. **Career Uncertainty**  
   - Stress around choosing a career path or securing a first job.
   - Fear of unemployment or underemployment.

3. **Academic Pressure**  
   - Balancing coursework, exams, and deadlines for those pursuing higher education.
   - Pressure of meeting academic expectations set by self, family, or peers.

4. **Social Pressures**  
   - Building new social circles while maintaining existing relationships.
   - Increased exposure to social media, leading to comparison, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), or cyberbullying.

5. **Identity Exploration**  
   - Stress from exploring personal identity, including values, career, and relationships.
   - Navigating questions around sexuality, gender, and cultural identity.

6. **Romantic and Relationship Challenges**  
   - Managing new and evolving romantic relationships.
   - Dealing with breakups or conflicts with significant others.

7. **Health and Lifestyle Adjustments**  
   - Developing healthy routines (e.g., diet, exercise, sleep) while juggling responsibilities.
   - Mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, often emerging in this age group.

8. **Pressure from Societal Expectations**  
   - Feeling the need to "succeed" quickly in life or to fit societal norms.
   - Unrealistic expectations perpetuated by media and social comparison.

 Suggestions for Support
- Employers or educators can provide mental health resources and group support sessions to address academic, career, and personal stressors.
- Accessing platforms like **Panda** can help individuals in this age group explore their mental health through digital group sessions or assessments to build coping strategies.