Nurturing Mental Wellness: A Vital Health Journey for Young Adults!
September 2025
Mental Health For Young Adults
There is a wealth of information and reminders for adults to manage their mental health, but there is a noticeable lack of awareness regarding the mental well-being of young adults. An estimated 1.2 million children and youth in Canada are affected by mental illness (as of 2019), yet less than 20% will receive any treatment. Young adults aged 15-24 are more likely to experience mental illness or substance use disorders than any other age group. By the age of 25, about 20% will go on to develop a more serious form of mental illness.
So what is happening? Have young adults always been this stressed, and have we not noticed, or is there something else at play?
It could be a bit of both. Young adults have always experienced a certain level of stress and anxiety, but it was often labelled as typical teenage behaviour, hormonal changes, or growing pains. However, the pressures and stressors faced by young adults today are significantly greater than those faced by previous generations.
The recognition of stress and anxiety in teenagers and young adults is now being prioritized in discussions about mental wellness in Canada.
New support mandates, guidelines, hotlines, and government funding for increased medical treatment and intervention have been established, leading to a greater understanding among parents of their young adults' behaviours.
So, what’s next for our stressed-out young adults?
It’s essential to recognize the signs that your child may be struggling with stress or anxiety. Acknowledge their feelings and create a safe environment for them to express their concerns. If communication with them is challenging, seek help from someone they trust.
Signs to watch for may include:
- Difficulty concentrating
- A declining interest in work or school
- Trouble sleeping, or waking up during the night
- Poor eating habits
- Quick to anger or misdirected frustration
- Increased irritability without a clear reason
- Emotional overreactions to minor incidents
- A lack of emotional connection or engagement
- Constant worrying or negative thoughts
- Withdrawal from family and friends
Supplements can offer additional support for stressed children and young adults. If your child is not on any prescribed medications for anxiety or stress, consider some supplements to aid in their journey toward better mental health. While supplements for teenage anxiety and stress are not yet mainstream, there is growing support and evidence that natural products can be beneficial. They are often non-habit forming and do not have the same adverse side effects as medications.
Supplements to Support Mental Health
One of the first supplements to consider is GABA. Low levels of GABA have been linked to anxiety, agitation, worry, tension, separation anxiety, stress, panic, poor sleep, depression, and decreased pain tolerance. The body's natural production of GABA can be depleted due to ongoing stress, sleep disorders, or certain medications. GABA's primary role is to inhibit excessive nerve transmission, helping prevent neuronal overstimulation. By doing so, it allows for better management of moods and reactions to stress or anxiety-inducing events. GABA also helps the nervous system process information related to fear, anxiety, and stress, providing a calming effect.
Recent studies have explored the connection between GABA activity abnormalities and conditions such as Autism and depression.
GABA is naturally found in fermented foods like kimchi, miso, and tempeh, as well as in tea, tomatoes, walnuts, sweet potatoes, soybeans, and spinach. While it is beneficial to increase GABA intake through diet, our diets alone may not provide sufficient levels to achieve the active benefits seen with supplementation.
Natural Factors Stress Relax GABA is an excellent option for young adults of various ages. It is available in 100 mg and 250 mg capsules, as well as in 100 mg chewable lozenges, which can be divided and gradually increased to the full dose. The lower 100 mg dosage is recommended for children and young adults aged 12 to 14, while the 250 mg dosage is suggested for those aged 14 to 18. Plus, the chewable lozenges taste great!
L-Theanine is a supplement ( primary ingredient in Natural Factors Mental Calmness) that can be beneficial for young adults experiencing anxiety, panic, and nervousness. It has also been used more frequently with children who have ADHD to help improve focus and calmness during times of agitation. This amino acid is derived from green or black tea leaves and is associated with enhanced concentration, cognitive performance, memory retention, and emotional well-being.
L-Theanine works by boosting calming neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting relaxation, and reducing the levels of stress and anxiety-related brain chemicals. It provides a calming effect without causing drowsiness. Additionally, L-Theanine increases GABA production, a neurotransmitter known for its anti-stress properties.
For teenagers, the recommended dosage is 100-200 mg two to three times daily. L-Theanine acts quickly, especially when taken in chewable form. It is advisable to start with a lower dosage and adjust as needed to achieve the desired level of relaxation. Some individuals may find that a smaller dosage is sufficient, while others may require a higher dose if their agitation is more pronounced. There are no known side effects associated with this supplement, but as with any supplement, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Natural Factors Mental Calmness supplements are available in both chewable and capsule forms. The capsules deliver a 125 mg dose, while the chewable tablets provide 100 mg. Both forms have the same effect on the body, but the chewable version has a quicker onset and can be easily split in half for a lower dosage if needed
Additional Supplements for Consideration
As your teenager transitions into young adulthood, the stressors and expectations of this phase may become more challenging. You may find that your young adult requires additional support for their mental wellness.
While L-Theanine and GABA may suffice, if they are not responding well to these supplements, consider adding other specific supplements tailored to their needs. ** Ashwagandha** is an adaptogenic herb that helps maintain balance within the body's systems by regulating the chemicals, hormones, and processes that govern human function.
It essentially adapts to meet the body's needs. Widely recognized as one of the most effective adaptogenic herbs, Ashwagandha is generally well-tolerated by adults. Its most notable benefit is its ability to manage the stress response by balancing cortisol levels, a hormone released by the adrenal glands during stressful periods. Additionally, Ashwagandha supports the central nervous system, promotes better sleep, and alleviates insomnia.
This herb is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience exhaustion from stress, suffer from body aches, are prone to illness, or have difficulty falling or staying asleep. When taken during the day, Ashwagandha can enhance cognitive functioning by increasing acetylcholine levels, which positively impacts learning and memory. It is important to note that this herb's effects may take some time to become noticeable.
The recommended dosage is 300-600 mg of KSM-66 Ashwagandha for 1-3 months, taken once or twice a day, depending on the supplement's strength. It can also be taken before bedtime if sleep is a primary concern. This herb is recommended for daily use starting at age 16 and continuing through adulthood. **
Natural Factors Ashwagandha contains clinically studied KSM-66 Ashwagandha at a 600 mg dose.
A recent study published in the *Journal of Affective Disorders* found that saffron may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in teenagers. This groundbreaking research demonstrated that supplementation with "Affron," a branded saffron extract, improved feelings of separation anxiety, social phobia, and depression in young individuals. Saffron (Affron) has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help balance key neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, and combat the oxidative stress associated with anxiety and stress in the brain.
It may take up to eight weeks of consistent saffron supplementation before noticeable effects on depression and anxiety are observed.
The recommended dosage is 14 mg twice daily or 28 mg once daily. Natural Factors offers "Affron," the clinically approved form of saffron, in various sizes to meet your child's needs and support compliance with regular supplementation..
You may have heard about melatonin supplements for issues like insomnia, shift changes, or jet lag. Early studies suggest that melatonin might also benefit young adults who struggle to fall asleep. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain that helps us fall asleep and regulate our sleep-wake cycles.
It is typically released in the evening and stimulated by darkness. However, exposure to blue light from electronic devices, such as tablets, phones, and computers, late at night can trick the brain into thinking it is still daytime, disrupting the natural production of melatonin.
Over time, the continued use of these devices can negatively affect the body's melatonin production, making us feel more alert at night when we should be sleepy. Melatonin supplements, such as Natural Factors Melatonin 3 mg or Natural Factors 5 mg, can be a short-term solution to help young adults (ages 14-18) get back on track or reset their sleep schedules after vacations, summer breaks, or long nights of studying.
These supplements should only be used to help establish a better bedtime routine. It is best to take melatonin 30 to 90 minutes before the desired bedtime. Melatonin may also be beneficial for children with ADHD, but this should be done under a physician's supervision.
Natural Factors Tranquil Sleep is a great choice for young adults. It combines L-Theanine, known to help calm an overactive mind, with Melatonin to help regulate sleep patterns. The inclusion of 5-HTP supports melatonin production, which is a precursor to serotonin, the hormone associated with happiness. Some experts believe that increasing serotonin levels at night can positively impact emotional factors that may disrupt sleep.