Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Young adults with serious mental health disorders experience higher rates of unemployment than their peers without serious mental health challenges. A 2009 study found that nearly 50 percent of young adults ages 18 to 25 were employed, compared to 66 percent of same-age young adults in the general population.¹

Young adults with behavioral health challenges can be resilient with the help of family, friends, providers, and other Heroes of Hope. Visit samhsa.gov/children to learn more.

Use these sample messages to share this data point with your connections on Twitter, Facebook, and via email.

Twitter:

Young adults w/ serious #mentalhealth disorders experience higher rates of unemployment http://1.usa.gov/ZUoyqY via @samhsagov #HeroesofHope

Facebook:

Did you know that young adults with serious mental health challenges have higher rates of unemployment? A 2009 study found that nearly 50 percent of people ages 18 to 25 with serious mental health challenges are employed, compared to 66 percent of people the same age without serious mental health challenges. Learn more about the behavioral health of young adults and pass it on to observe National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day: http://1.usa.gov/ZUoyqY

Reference:

1. Newman, L., et al. (2011). The post-high school outcomes of young adults with disabilities up to 8 years after high school. A report from the national longitudinal transition study-2 (NLTS2) (NCSER 2011-3005). Menlo Park, CA: SRI International. Retrieved from www.nlts2.org/reports

For more information on young adults specifically, see these resources:

• Walker, J. S., & Gowen, L. K. (2011). Community-based approaches for supporting positive development in youth and young adults with serious mental health conditions. Portland, OR: Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures, Portland State University. Retrieved from http://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/pbCmtyBasedApproaches09-2011.pdf (PDF - 964 KB)
• Gowen, L. K. (Ed.). (2010). Transitions to adulthood. Focal Point: Youth, Young Adults, & Mental Health, 24(1). Retrieved from http://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/fpS10.pdf (PDF - 11 MB)
• Sowers, J., Ph.D., & Wood, N. Enhancing Career Development Engagement and Self-Determination for Young Adults with Mental Health Diagnoses. Portland, OR: Research and Training Center for Pathways to Positive Futures, Portland State University. Retrieved from http://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/proj1-lit-review.pdf (PDF - 206 KB)