Identity Unit Vision & Statement of Intent
The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a very serious and often dramatic time in the life of a young person, full of changes that can create high levels of stress. My aim in presenting this transition is to explain the many-sided problems that adolescents have to face while passing through the confusions inherent in emerging adulthood. This is not just a passing period of time; it is, for many, a significant point where identity formation, independence, and responsibility all come together and often bring with them great emotional upset and psychological pressure. As the teenage years turn into young adulthood, a host of stressors come into play: academic pressures, social dynamics, and expectations about the future. The excitement of new freedoms is soon overcome by fear of making life-changing decisions regarding further education, career choices, and relationships. This duality of excitement and fear creates a unique terrain of stress that can have deep effects on mental health.
Estimates from a 2021 research indicate that up to 48% of young people in this transitional phase experience severe mental health conditions, which are further complicated by the sudden changes in their support systems as they move away from services oriented toward children. Moreover, the search for identity during this stage might lead to conflicts within and a feeling of isolation. In their quest to find their identity in a rapidly changing world, adolescents may experience confusion about their values, passions, and where they belong. This period of exploration is an integral part of development; still, it can also be filled with much uncertainty, which might lead to higher levels of stress. The compulsion to conform to the expectations of society, on top of the need to create one’s identity, may cause great anxiety and self-doubt. In my art, I try to encapsulate the essence of this change by using visual narratives of the challenges and victories that young adults go through. By focusing on real moments, those that reveal true emotions—whether it be the exhilaration of gaining independence or the burden of immense responsibility—I seek to create empathy and understanding with the audience. Each picture will stand as a testimony to the resilience required to negotiate this difficult period, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of support systems, mental health resources, and open communication during these formative years.
Regions that reported mental health problems in 2023:
Citations:
“48% of Young Adults Struggled with Mental Health in Mid-2021.” 48% of Young Adults Struggled with Mental Health in Mid-2021 | UC San Francisco, 10 Dec. 2024, www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/04/422611/48-young-adults-struggled-mental-health-mid-2021.
The Mental State of the World Report 2022, 4 Mar. 2024, mentalstateoftheworld.report/2023_read/.
“Mental Health of Adolescents.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.
“Mental Health for Adolescents.” HHS Office of Population Affairs, opa.hhs.gov/adolescent-health/mental-health-adolescents. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.