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In today’s fast-paced and constantly connected digital world, conversations about mental health have become far more open among young people, no longer overshadowed by stigma. Teenagers and young adults are beginning to place mental health as an important part of their lives—not just something whispered on the sidelines of conversations.
Terms like self-love, boundaries, and burnout have become part of everyday language. Young people are becoming more confident in prioritizing their emotional and psychological well-being in relationships, learning to recognize their feelings, practicing self-care, seeking accurate information, and even taking steps to consult professionals when needed.
This awareness does not emerge only from within themselves, but also from their environment—from pop culture to digital media—which has created more open spaces for discussing mental health. Music, for example, often becomes one of the closest and most relatable mediums.
“The sorrow that once disappeared has now turned into melody; the storm has passed.”
This lyric from “Badai Telah Berlalu” by Bunga Citra Lestari, Diskoria, and Laleilmanino reminds listeners that pain and life’s storms can eventually fade away.
So, what is actually driving young people to care more about their mental health?
Searching for Direction Amid Emotional Ups and Downs
Adolescence is a phase full of change. School pressures, friendship dynamics, body changes, family expectations, and digital pressures all arrive at once. It is no surprise that mental health issues are increasingly surfacing.
Data shows that out of 31 million Indonesians aged 15 and above, many have experienced mental health disorders. Around 19 million face emotional difficulties, while another 12 million experience depression (Qurniyawati, 2025). These numbers are clearly not trivial and require serious attention.
According to Braghmandita Widya Indraswari from the Youth Task Force of the Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia (IDAI), there are three major phases that shape adolescent mental conditions.
The first phase occurs when physical development, ways of thinking, and social environments change drastically. Puberty begins, and teenagers start feeling that they have roles and identities as future adults.
The second phase is the transition from being dependent on parents to gradually learning independence.
The third phase happens when biological, psychological, and sexual changes become stronger as puberty progresses.
Amid all these changes, teenage emotions naturally become unstable and fluctuate easily. Curiosity also grows stronger. At ages 14–16, many teenagers begin wanting to try new things—both positive and risky, such as smoking or alcohol consumption. This is often the stage where they search for identity, making guidance from adults especially important.
Meanwhile, at ages 17–19, most teenagers begin developing a stronger sense of responsibility. They become more capable of distinguishing good decisions from harmful ones and begin building independence as young adults.
Pop Culture and Digital Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Besides internal factors, external environments also play a huge role. Mental health, once considered a private matter, has become a shared conversation because many people realize they experience similar emotions and struggles.
On platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X, expressions of anxiety, emotional struggles, and personal stories are shared openly, creating a feeling of “we’re going through this together.”
Many public figures—artists, musicians, and influencers—have also openly shared their mental health experiences. One positive impact is that stigma has slowly begun to fade. Teenagers are becoming more comfortable admitting that feeling tired, anxious, or overwhelmed is completely human. Access to information has also become easier, helping people better understand what they are feeling.
However, this openness also has another side that cannot be ignored. Easy access to information sometimes encourages self-diagnosis without professional guidance. Social pressure from constantly comparing oneself to others also continues to grow.
Research by A.C. Patricia and colleagues (2024) found that 81% of respondents aged 15–26 felt that social media content strongly affected their mental health. One major trigger was comparison culture—81% admitted feeling affected simply by seeing someone else’s story or post.
If not managed wisely, social media—which should be a space for entertainment—can instead drain emotional energy.
Keeping Mental Health Balanced
To stay mentally healthy amid the noise of everyday life, there are several simple things young people can do.
One of them is peer support—support from friends of the same age. Interacting with people who share similar experiences often makes individuals feel more understood. This type of support can create empathy, provide safe spaces, and help people feel less alone.
Another important skill is emotional regulation. Some helpful practices include mindfulness, changing unhelpful thought patterns, expressing emotions in healthy ways, and building a more balanced lifestyle.
This also includes maintaining healthier eating habits, for example through Meatless Monday practices. Several studies suggest that plant-based diets may help improve mood and reduce stress, depression, and anxiety levels, although the effects can vary from person to person.
Taking breaks from social media is equally important. A digital break can reduce exposure to anxiety-triggering content and help clear the mind.
In the end, young people’s growing concern for mental health is not simply a trend. It is an effort to understand themselves better, recognize personal boundaries, and live more balanced lives.
Being open about emotions is healthy—as long as it is accompanied by healthy boundaries to avoid emotional exhaustion.
Caring about mental health is not a sign of weakness—it is proof that we want to grow more consciously and intentionally.