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Young people are increasingly exposed to stress
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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A recent study by American specialists has refuted a well-known stereotype: in fact, it is not the elderly and old people who suffer from stressful situations more often, but the youth. Nowadays, it is the young people who are more often exposed to stressful situations, which can cause both sleep disorders and neurosis or a deep degree of depression. The generally accepted opinion that young people are healthier and stronger in spirit by default can be considered erroneous, say doctors from the USA.
In medicine, stress is considered a response in the human body that occurs as a result of any external changes, shocks, or environmental impacts. Both positive and negative forms of stress are distinguished. Positive stress is considered to be stress caused by unexpected positive emotions or mild stress, which rather mobilizes the body than negatively affects the psyche.
A person may not be able to cope with a negative form of stress on their own, and there are known cases where hospitalization or help from a qualified specialist was necessary.
A recent study conducted by psychologists from the United States showed that young people today experience stressful situations more often than the older generation. Young people also have more mental disorders. The study, conducted by the American Psychological Association, confirmed the information that began to be discussed in the press several years ago: young people increasingly suffer from stressful situations due to a lack of resources and opportunities in modern society.
Many young people graduate from higher education institutions with considerable debts, and the labor market does not require as many young and inexperienced specialists as American universities graduate. The situation with vacancies is quite tense, and not every company manager will be ready to hire a person with an education, but without any work experience. During the study, a survey of more than 2,000 graduates of higher education institutions in the United States was conducted, the results of which reported that most young people are initially forced to work in positions that do not require higher education.
Psychologists note that a situation with unsuccessful employment often causes anxiety, panic and reduces self-esteem, which can lead to deep depression. The situation is aggravated by the fact that young people do not have enough life experience and stress resistance, which helps older people cope with the difficulties that arise along their path. Young people react to any adversity and troubles more acutely and sharply, which does not pass without a trace for the nervous system and mental health. Psychologists report that people under 33 are several times more often exposed to stressful situations related to work than their older colleagues. Doctors also noted that the stress that young people most often experience is associated not only with the changed situation in the country, but also with the inflated demands of young people. Many graduates of educational institutions consider themselves worthy only of top positions, and when their hopes are not met, they become despondent.