Empowering Young Adults Through Counselling/Life Skills

Young adults in developing societies grapple with a myriad of mental health challenges rooted in a complex interplay of socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors. Access to mental health services is often limited, leaving many without the support they need. Stigmatization of mental health concerns remains prevalent, deterring young adults from seeking help due to the fear of discrimination. Economic stress, stemming from unemployment and financial instability, can lead to pervasive anxiety and despair. The intense academic pressure to excel can contribute to depression and burnout, often aggravated by limited educational resources. Family expectations may clash with personal aspirations, causing emotional distress. Social isolation, especially after the pandemic, or sometimes resulting from a lack of safe social spaces, can induce feelings of loneliness and depression. Limited awareness, cultural norms, and gender roles may hinder open conversations about mental health, which makes it even more important to introduce mental health services, awareness campaigns, and support for economic stability and education, all tailored to the specific cultural and societal context especially in developing societies. Incorporating counselling skills into the education and personal development of young adults can empower them to lead more emotionally resilient, socially connected, and fulfilling lives. These skills not only benefit individuals on a personal level but can also contribute to the well-being of their communities and society. Fostering awareness, beginning at the school level, and extending seamlessly into university studies, work, and personal life, is of utmost importance for young adults. This process centers on nurturing foundational mental framework at an appropriate developmental stage holds paramount significance. Enabling the upcoming generation by creating of a secure environment where they can freely acquire fundamental life skills from proficient mentors, thereby equipping them with essential tools to navigate the challenges of the real world which may help in improving the quality of life. To facilitate this, the integration of primary preventive psychoeducation courses into the curriculum at the school level is advocated. In this paper, educational modules are presented which are designed to instill valuable lessons pertaining to self-care, relationships, personal boundaries, mindfulness, controlled breathing techniques, addressing fears, empathy, and understanding mental health disorders. Moreover, the acquisition of essential skills among young adults at the university level, which will serve as a preparatory phase for the transition to the professional world, are also discussed. Additionally, ongoing support, reinforcement, and opportunities for practice are key to reinforcing these skills and making them a natural part of a young adult's personal and professional toolkit. Such measures aim to empower the youth with essential knowledge and skills critical for their well-being, resilience, and improving Quality of Life.

کلیدواژه ها:

Empowering ، Young Adults ، Counselling ، Life Skills