Each stage of your life can create different challenges to good mental health. The events that worry you as a 20-year-old probably won’t be the same as what causes you stress when you’re 50. Eating right, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and having healthy relationships will help support good physical and mental health throughout life. If you’re worried about your mental health, talk to someone right away.

Researchers think that most mental health conditions begin early in life, usually by 25 years old. Mental health conditions are common in young people, but some conditions are more serious or last longer than others. A recent survey showed that almost 1 in 3 young women 18 to 25 said they had a mental health condition in the past year. One in about every 10 young women has a serious mental health condition that impacts daily activities such as working or going to school. 

In your early 20s, you may be dealing with stressful life situations such as finding a job or finishing college, moving out of a family home, and becoming financially independent. This can be a stressful time for anyone. It can be more difficult to handle these life changes if you have a mental health condition. Also, if you have lived with a mental health condition for most of your life, it can be difficult to know that you have a health problem that can be treated.

In your 30s and 40s, you may be building a career, raising a family, or juggling many different responsibilities all at the same time. These changes can be exhausting and stressful and make it difficult to maintain good mental health. Your menstrual cycle or pregnancy can also affect your mental well-being, from mood swings during your period or pregnancy to problems getting pregnant. Learn more about reproductive health and mental health.

Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, often begins in your late 40s. Perimenopause can cause sudden hormonal ups and downs that can affect your physical and mental health.

In your early 50s, you will probably experience menopause, which can affect mental health or stress levels. If you are in a romantic relationship, you may find that expectations and roles have changed over the years. By your 60s, you may be facing retirement or dealing with a chronic illness. You may also find yourself suddenly in an emptier house if you have children who have moved out, or you might be a caretaker for an elderly parent. Such major life changes can have emotional and even physical effects.

Your 70s and beyond can be a time of enjoying retirement, starting new hobbies, and seeing friends and family more often. It can also be the time when many people are diagnosed with serious health problems, such as heart disease or cancer. Sometimes, you’re dealing with the death of a loved one. People in their 70s and beyond may also face tough financial situations due to medical bills or running out of retirement savings.

Older adults who have serious physical conditions are more likely to develop depression.5 About 1 in 8 older women said they had a mental health condition in the past year.6 Adults over 65 also may have more trouble sleeping, which can make mental health conditions worse.

Although these challenges can be stressful and upsetting, there are tools you can use to help achieve good mental health in your 70s and beyond.

These tips can help you maintain your physical health as well as mental health. Learn the signs of a mental health condition, and talk to your doctor or nurse about your mental health.

For more information about good mental health at every age, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or check out the following resources from other organizations: