Why did we do this research?

We wanted to learn how young people with disabling mental health conditions were doing, especially as they dealt with the recent pandemic. Our study had 2 phases (learn more here).

This phase is longitudinal qualitative research to understand these youths’ lived experiences of disrupted milestones, the impact of these disruptions, and their resiliency.

What did we propose to learn from the qualitative interviews?

• ​​How do young people with mental health conditions experience disrupted milestones & how does this change over time?
• ​What changes in health, well-being, & mental health do they describe with their disrupted milestones? 
• ​What personal agency, strengths, & coping strategies are they using to get their lives back on-track & how do these change over time? 

• ​​How are young people with mental health conditions dealing with the pandemic? 
• How has the pandemic interfered with the things they want to be doing?​ 
• What are their strengths and what new things have they learned?
• What needs and barriers are they facing in trying to get help or treatment?
• How is their physical health? 

Who participated?

The 20 interview respondents were US residents aged 18 to 25 years, with a serious mental health condition. 

An exploration of disrupted milestones for young adults with mental health conditions

Qualitative interviews were repeated over a one-year period to explore changes in respondent perspectives on their mental and physical health, pandemic-related disruptions, and coping and resiliency. Also explored was the impact of the pandemic on mental health, physical health, and daily life. We characterized their transition status at the time of study entry by exploring: what transitions they had already completed, what transitions were in progress, which transitions were not in process, and how the pandemic impacted their life transitions. Learn more about we found from our latest presentation. 

How will findings from these interviews be helpful? 

We are learning the perspectives of young people with disabling mental health conditions regarding their health, wellness, challenges, successes, and more. These results can be used to recommend services and policies to improve the lives of young people.

This project is a collaboration with the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research at the UMass Chan Medical School.

What if I need help?

We understand that this continues to be a difficult time for many people. If you would like someone to talk with, all U.S. states offer Warm Lines operated by trained staff. Find a warm line.
 
If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can call or text 988 for help 24 hours/day, 7 days/week (for Spanish, text “Ayuda” to 988).