LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) — An increasing number of young adults are seeking help to improve their mental health.
In 2019, 12% of adults aged 18 to 34 sought mental health counseling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2023, this figure had risen to 19.9%.
Tim White, co-founder of Dr. White and Associates, P.C., and a licensed therapist, emphasizes the importance of understanding patients’ backgrounds to address their issues effectively.
“We start by learning about our patients and identifying the root causes of their problems,” White explained. “Our goal is to help them begin self-reflection and introspection. This process helps them understand the origins of their anxiety and depression and find appropriate ways to address these issues rather than just reacting to them.”
White also noted the impact of social media on young adults’ mental health. He pointed out that social media often presents a curated, idealized version of reality.
“People spend a lot of time scrolling through their phones,” White said. “Social media shows only what people want us to see, which is a polished version of life.”
The rates of anxiety and depression among young adults have increased by over 3% during this period. White described the repetitive and unfulfilling routines some of his patients report.
“Many people describe their days as monotonous,” White said. “They wake up, go to work at a job that barely covers their expenses, come home, scroll through their phones, and go to bed, only to repeat the cycle the next day.”
For those considering therapy, White advises researching different mental health professionals to find the best fit.
“Check resources like Psychology Today and Google to find someone you connect with,” he suggested.
White also reassured those hesitant about therapy, emphasizing that seeking help is not a sign of personal failure.
“Seeing a therapist doesn’t mean something is fundamentally wrong with you,” White said. “It’s about addressing painful or traumatic experiences that may have led you to hold beliefs about yourself and the world that might not be accurate.”
