Your 20s are basically a bridge between every version of yourself you’ve outgrown and the person you’re still building. There’s this unique nostalgia for the present that comes along with the realization that you’re currently living through the years you’ll tell stories about forever.
It’s a decade of leaning into every experience: saying yes to the move, the coffee date with your future best friend, and the messy process of growing up. Sometimes, that means hitting mental health barriers that feel like a dead end, whether it’s the cost of care or the stigma that makes you feel like you’re alone in your struggles. But it often ends up being the time you discover you’re a lot more resilient than you gave yourself credit for.
In your 20s, you start to see that making a difference begins right where you are, with showing up for your own mental health and the people in your circle. In your 20s, you may feel the pull to show up for mental health. It’s important that you do. Here is how you can meet the moment:
In your 20s, you’ll learn that checking in is the ultimate way to show up.
When a friend’s vibe shifts, it’s easy to assume they’re just busy or tired. But being a champion for change means looking closer.
- Look past the “I’m okay”: Watch for the subtle stuff — a friend who stops replying to the group chat, someone who is suddenly way more irritable than usual, or a peer who seems to be checked out of the things they used to love.
- Navigate the conversation with A.S.K.: You can’t always fully understand or change what someone else is going through, but you can Acknowledge their feelings, Support by listening, and Keep-in-Touch regularly to let them know how much you care. Visit asktohelp.com to dive in and start putting A.S.K. into action!
In your 20s, you’ll realize your phone is a tool, not a trap.
We live on social media, but we don’t owe the internet our constant attention. The “in your 20s” trend is fun, but doomscrolling isn’t.
- Don’t let the algorithm win: Use screen time limits to keep your doomscrolling in check and use your time offline to redirect your focus — try journaling, a quick walk, some gentle stretches, or letting yourself get lost in the music for a few minutes to get your energy flowing again.
In your 20s, you’ll find that rest is a transformative act.
Poor sleep makes stress feel like a mountain and anxiety feel like a flood. Protecting your rest helps prevent burnout and keeps your energy high enough to lead the change you want to see.
- Give your brain a break to unplug: Your sleep is important. Try to put your phone down 30 minutes before bed. That late-night blue light actually blocks the hormones your body needs to feel tired, so giving yourself a break from the screen is the easiest way to ensure you’re getting the deep rest you need to wake up ready to meet the moment.
- Keep some tools in your back pocket: Self-care doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. It can be taking a moment to circle breathe or use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste) to pull yourself back into the present when things feel overwhelming.
In your 20s, you’ll learn that you don’t have to be an expert to be a lifeline.
Championing mental health doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers; it means knowing when a situation is too heavy to carry alone and being brave enough to call for backup.
- You can’t solve everything on your own, and you don’t have to: If a struggle starts to feel like a crisis, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Resources like 988, The Trevor Project, or local helplines can save a life. For more information on where to get help, visit our Crisis Resource Center for additional ways to connect with life-saving support.
