Investigating Depression in Young Adults (18-25) in the UK: A Report

This report delves into the critical issue of depression among young adults aged 18-25 in the UK. It begins by establishing the background of depression as a significant concern, particularly post-COVID-19, highlighting its prevalence and impact on mental and physical health. The report outlines aims and objectives, including analyzing how depression affects young people's health, identifying contributing factors, and evaluating available support services. The study explores the causes of depression, such as lifestyle changes, pressure, and lack of awareness, and discusses the symptoms and types of depression, including major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. The report also covers various treatment methods, including medications, therapy, and natural remedies. Furthermore, the report provides a detailed structure, outlining the introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion, and conclusion chapters. The rationale emphasizes the importance of understanding the causes and early stages of depression to provide effective treatment and prevention strategies, as well as the evaluation of support systems for young people experiencing depression. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge and inform future research on depression, offering valuable insights into causes, diagnosis, management, and support systems for young adults.

Depression in Young People,
ages (18-25) in the UK
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 ABSTRACT
(It will be done when file is completed)

Table of contents
ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................4
Rationale .........................................................................................................................................6
Dissertation structure ......................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW..........................................................................................9
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY............................................................................16
CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION..........................................................................................................20
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION.......................................................................................................25
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................26
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 CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Background
In recent times, the major concern after covid 19 in world is depression. It is found that
all people suffer from depression in various stages of life. But it is found that most adults
between age 22- 40 suffers from depression to a great extent (Friedrich, 2017). It is because this
is age where adults have to focus on their career goals, family responsibility, job, etc. and many
other things. So, these all leads to depression which highly impact on their physical as well as
mental health. In addition, it is important to find out causes and symptoms of depression so that
it becomes easy to treat it. Along with it, there is also need to identify issues due to which person
suffers from depression. In a study done in 26 nations it has been found that depression is
primary driver of disability in people. In 2014 in UK there 19.7% of adults of age over 18
showed symptoms of depression as compared to 2013. This means that there is rise of 1.5% in
adults. There are over 1 out of 4 people in UK that suffer from mental health problem in UK.
Basically depression is most common in age of 18- 25 that is around 10.9%. There were around
7.5 million young people aged 16–24 in the UK in 2012, making them about 12% of population.
About 75% of them are satisfied with their health and only 12% report a long term illness or
disability. Depression is highly increasing year by year in adults due to change in their lifestyle,
pressure from family, lack of healthy diet, exercise, etc. Thus, their mental and physical health is
affected in negative way (LeMoult, and Gotlib, 2019). Besides, due to lack of awareness as well
many adults are not able to identify symptoms of depression. So, they do not get treatment on
time which results in leading to severe level of depression. Having a mental illness in young
generation still remain prevalent.
Depression is common mental disorder that results in change in mood, anxiety, low self
worth, feeling of guilt, etc. there are different symptoms of depression which may vary from
person to person. The most common symptoms are mood swings, feeling sad, hopeless, change
in behaviour such as loss of interest, cognitive abilities like inability of concentrate, lack of
sleep, insomnia, etc. Apart from it, there are various causes of depression such as family history,
brain structure, medical conditions, drug use, etc. (Park, and Zarate Jr,2019). It is easy to find
out symptoms of depression in people just by observing their behaviour and asking questions
about mood, sleep pattern, thoughts, etc. Usually, there are two types of depression which are
major depressive disorder and persistent depressive disorder. The major depressive is severe

form of depression which is identified through felling of sadness, hopefulness, and many more.
In this the symptoms are frequent loss of weight, not able to sleep, fatigue, feeling guilt, etc.
Moreover, there are several sub types as well of this disorder that are anxious distress, atypical
feature, seasonal pattern, etc. the persistent disorder is mild depression and is also known as
dysthymia. Here, symptoms are same but they are not severe (Putnam, Wilcox, and Apter,
2017). Furthermore, there are various ways of treating depression like medications, light
therapy, psychotherapy, and others. Alongside, there are natural ways of treating it as well that is
SAM’e, 5- HTP, Omega-3 fatty acid, and many more. The depression can be treated with help
of providing social support services, communication, exercise, yoga, meditation, etc. But it
depends on stage of depression that what treatment or therapy is required in that.
Depression is a mental health problem that involves low mood and loss of interest in
activities of individuals. Depression can be described in several ways and through several
characteristics and among all feeling of sadness, loss and anger is most common symptoms and
characteristics of depression. Concerned with effect of depression, it affects people from all
walks of life regardless of background, age and gender. There are different types of depression
and these include Major Depressive Disorder, persistent depressive disorder also known as
dysthymia, bipolar depression, perinatal or post-partum depression, premenstrual dysphoric
disorder, seasonal affective disorder, situational depression, and atypical depression (Fajkowska,
Domaradzka and Wytykowska, 2018). Types of depression differentiate on the basis of how
long depression lasts and also what impact does depression have on individuals. This means that
major depressive disorder lasts everyday for more than 2 weeks, persistent depressive disorder
lasts 2 years or longer than that. Bipolar depression alternate lows with high and manic energy
and similarly every type of depression have different impact on individuals. In this Major
depression can result in severe impairment that interfere with or limit ability of individual to
carry out important life events. Young adults are likely to get affected by depression as any other
age group of individuals. The causes of depression for young people involve genes and family
tendency and on the basis of this it can be determined whether individual is susceptible to
disease or not. However, this is not only reason because of which they become susceptible for
disease and get affected by this. Young adults are likely to experience depression because of
several other reasons and in modern society young people are fed information and this is likely
to put pressure on them which is completely unrealistic. In addition to this, those who are in
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school can also experience depression because of change of school or also because of
experiences like bullying. They can create negative forces and lead individual towards
depression. For young adults stressful relationship is also a cause for depression in which their
mental state can get negatively affected because of their relationship. However, early assessment
and treatment of depression can enhance quality of life of individuals as it is not something
untreatable (Qin and et.al., 2018). Signs and symptoms include moodiness and irritability,
changes in sleeping and eating patterns, fatigue and lack of energy, difficulty in having
concentration and feeling unhappiness, miserable and lonely. Following are aim and objectives
of this study that reflect what will be achieved from this study regarding depression in Young
people of age 18-25 in UK.
Aims and objectives
Aim – To analyse how depression is affecting on mental and physical health of young people of
age 18-25 in UK.
Objectives
← To establish the issues that lead to depression amongst young people.
← To explore effects and implications of depression among study group.
← To establish and evaluate the support services available to young people.
Research question
← What are the issues that lead to depression amongst young people?
← What are the effects and implications of depression among study group?
← How support services can be provided to young people?
Rationale
This study aims at establishing issues because of which young people experience
depression and to identify early stages of depression and also to evaluate support services
available for young people when they experience depression. In order to treat and prevent
depression and specifically major depression and persistent depression, it is very important that
firstly issues are identified that causes and lead young people to depression (Park and Zarate Jr,
2019). This is because to solve problem reasons identification and solution of reasons causing
problem is important. Without having adequate knowledge of what causes depression treatment
for depression cannot be done effectively. Along with this, prevention of depression in young
adults can also be done through knowledge of causes of depression. Avoidance and dealing with

these causes can help preventing depression in young adults. This is why this study aim to
establish issues that lead to depression among young people. This study has another aim that is
to identify early stage of depression and how it is managed in early stage to that its impact on
life of young people can be avoided. This is because treatment of depression in later stage is
more difficult and impact also becomes strong however treatment of depression at early stage
can help in ensuring that young people can live a quality life. Another aim of this study is to
evaluate support services available for young people (Friedrich, 2017). With increasing cases of
depression and young people getting strongly affected by depression it has become very
important that countries have strong support system for young people who are experiencing
depression. This is why it has been included in study.
This study will be beneficial for identification and analysis of different causes of
depression in young people and will fill gap where reason and treatment of depression is
collectively stated. Depression is increasing at fast pace and this is why study to identify newly
added factors and contributors in depression for young people. This means that there have been
several new additions in life of young people which is likely to cause and contribute in
developing depression. This is why it is important that latest study is done to identify these
causes of depression. Similarly, improvement in technology and mechanism for treatment of
depression and this study will work on identifying developments in diagnosis of depression at
early stage and also how it can be managed at early stage. Lastly, considering impact of
depression on quality of life of people measures are being taken to support young people and this
study will also work on identifying what are those supports availed for young people. In addition
to this different supports will also be evaluated to understand how effective they are in
management of depression and providing support to young people with depression. This means
that this study will work on identifying and evaluating causes, diagnosis, management and
support system for depression. Additionally, this study will also work on identifying latest
development in relation with depression which involves developments in diagnosis and also in
terms of factors causing depression to young people. This study will be beneficial for further
research for development of science for depression and also for society in general. This is
because increasing depression has a strong requirement that individuals are equipped with
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knowledge of depression and how it can be managed so that they can prevent depression and its
impact.
Dissertation structure
It describes the overall structure of project and its different chapters. They are discussed
in a systematic way which makes it easy for user to understand each chapter in a proper manner.
Also, it is easy to evaluate what is included in each chapter.
Chapter 1 Introduction – This is the first chapter which will give an overview of overall
research topic. Here, researcher will describe background, aim, objectives, research questions,
etc. that have to be achieved (Ramlaul, 2020).
Chapter 2 Literature review- It is the second chapter in which researcher will analyze
secondary data from different research articles, journals, etc. Here, the topic is discussed in depth
regarding what other authors have contributed in past. The secondary data is collected and
analyzed which makes it easy for user to know what subject is all about.
Chapter 3 Research methodology – This chapter will describe about different types of research
methods which will be used or applied by the researcher in project. It will give an overview
about how overall research will be conducted and what methods are used.
Chapter 4 Discussion- In this, the results are discussed which will show findings of overall
research. The researcher will do in depth discussion of data and info interpreted by collecting
secondary data. This will make it easy for the user to evaluate overall findings (Ramlaul, 2020).
Chapter 6 Conclusion – It is the last chapter in which conclusion is done. Here, researcher
shows what is concluded after completing the project. This chapter gives an insight that about
findings of data and info.

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
Issues that lead to depression amongst young people
Introduction
It is necessary to find out the issue which result in depression in young people. As
depression is most common problem that is being faced by adult and young people. It has highly
impacting on their mental and physical health. Depression highly affect mood as well as
behavior of person. It has been found that there are many causes or issues of depression. But it
differs from person to person and on the issues as well.
As said by Wigner and Sliwinski, (2018), depression is most common problem that is
being faced by adult and young people. It has highly impacting on their mental and physical
health. Depression highly affect mood as well as behavior of person. It has been found that there
are many causes or issues of depression. But it differs from person to person. This is because it is
said that in some person it might be due to presence of genetics of family history and in some it
might be due to conflict, abuse etc. it is found that anxiety and depression are most common in
women of UK between age 18- 24 years. Here, 31% of women suffer from depression and there
is increase of 5 % in that. Also, it is found that there is 7% decline in satisfaction of young
people in regard with their health in UK. There are multiple factors that have led to younger
population undergo different phases of depression. It is amongst the few diseases that is affecting
the people from 18 to 25 years. Firstly, with growing competition at the global level and rise of
technological advances has made it difficult for them to survive. Going into a college is
becoming very complex as they must try to prove their mettle with different extracurricular
activities. Earlier the kids were going to college to learn traditional ways of teaching. However,
with YouTube and e learning platforms, the competition is aggressive and the parents expect
kids to be smart. This is pressuring for the average students or the ones who want to pursue
something unconventional such as playing a sport, pursuing a dance form or starting a business
only. Next is the exposure to social media platforms that is putting a certain amount of undue
influence on the ways the children/students must look or behave. Suddenly a person of 20 years
old is expecting to behave like a 25 years so that he or she can do the work more professionally.
It is unacceptable expectations from them as they are still in their learning phase. Exploitation of
them in the name of internships or giving knowledge on a few topics is very unwelcoming. It
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leads to anxiety, shakes confidence and also impact the mental health. But there are different
issues that led to depression. They are as follows:
Abuse- It is one of main issue of depression in young people. There are many adults and
youngsters who are being abused by any person. So, when they are abused it led to affecting
their behavior, mood, etc. however, there are different types of abuse which adult can face that is
physical, sexual, emotional, etc. These all can result in depression. Moreover, when a person is
abused then it changes his or her behavior. It directly effect on their mental health.
Conflicts- It is also an issue that led to depression. In this it is found that there occur various
conflicts in people life. The conflict may be in family, personal, with friends, relatives, etc.
Thus, it affect on behavior and mood. Moreover, person mental health is impacted as he or she
start thinking about solving conflict. Here, personal problem or due to mental illness person can
suffer from depression.
Death or loss- This issue results in grief or sadness that can also led to depression. The death or
loss of loved ones, friend, etc. results in depression. Furthermore, it is a natural process that
increases risk of depression. In this situation a person remains sad most of time, he or she think
of loss of loved ones, relative, etc. Also, person do not like to talk to another person and prefer
loneliness.
Gender- It is a natural issue in which there is found that women are most likely to suffer from
depression as compared to men. This is because of hormonal change that occur in women.
Furthermore, women have to deal with various things at different times that may affect on their
lives to a great extent. Likewise, in adults as well due to maturity and hormonal change women
is likely to suffer from depression (Azim, and Baig, 2019).
Major events- there can occur different major event due to which young people of age 18-25
may suffer from depression. Therefore, the event that can occur are loss of job, getting married,
not getting job, loss of income, etc. are example of event. These all can also led to depression. It
is because young people response to these in stressful way. So, it releases a syndrome of clinical
depression. This impact on behavior in negative way.
Serious illness- It has been found that sometime depression may occur due to serious illness or
some other medication problems in young people of age 18-25. Sometimes, it happens that a
person is not able to recover from health issue or disease. Thus, it also led to depression. Apart

from it, taking of wrong medication such as isotretinion, interferon, etc. increases risk of
depression.
Genes- Usually, here person whose family history can increase risk of depression. Basically, due
to genes in young person father or mother it also contributes in depression. In this genetics of
depression are psychiatric disorder, cystic fibrosis, etc.
As elucidated by Tang, Zhang, and Zhu, (2020), these all are some issue due to which
depression may occur. But it depends from person to person. However, common issue that led to
depression is abuse, major event, etc. Young people are abused by people that affect their mental
health. Hence, they become victim of depression. The physical and sexual abuse has increased in
UK among young people. Due to that they are being suffering from depression. The young
people are coming with a lot of complaints regarding abuse. So, it is also reason of rise in
depression in age 18-25. With increasing cases of depression and young people getting strongly
affected by depression it has become very important that countries have strong support system
for young people who are experiencing depression.
Effects and implications of depression among study group
Introduction
There is a great effect of depression among young people. The effect may vary from
normal to severe. Also, the effect may be on mental or physical health. Depression in young
people often co-occurs with other mental disorders, most commonly anxiety disruptive
behaviour, or substance abuse disorder.
In the view of Qin and et.al., (2018), depression in young people is rising rapidly.
Furthermore, another thing that has led to rise in cases is lockdown due to covid 19. Hence, all
physical activities are being closed in college, school, etc. so, it has led to loneliness in people as
they are not able meet and spend good time with friends. Furthermore, it has become difficult
for them to manage depression. This is because they are not getting enough social support from
relatives, friends, etc. It has been evaluated that there are different stages of depression from it
can be easily identified that whether depression is serious or normal. So, on basis of stage of
depression treatment is given to person. Also, it becomes easy to find out nature of depression as
well. Types of depression differentiate on the basis of how long depression lasts and also what
impact does depression have on individuals. Hence, the stages are as below :
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Major depression- It is stage known as classic or unipopular depression. In this people suffer
from symptoms of depression. Also, they are not aware that is what is happening around them.
Along with that, it is severe form of depression. The symptoms are grief, lack of energy, fatigue,
loss of appetite, anxiety, loneliness, hopelessness, etc. The symptoms may last for months.
Persistent depression – this is also a stage in depression that is known as chronic depression. The
main symptoms of this are sadness, appetite change, memory problems, low self esteem, etc. It is
a long lasting form of depression but symptom can become less intense in week, month, etc. this
type of depression lasts for years and is part of normal life. Generally, in some people the
experience several episode of major depression during persistent one. So, it is known as double
depression.
Manic depression- The depression where there are periods of mania in which person feel
unhappy for some particular time period. This is also known as bipolar depression. The
symptoms in it are fatigue, lack of energy, sleep problems, etc. There are several forms of mania
in this they are hypomania, hallucinations, delusions, etc. (Monji,, 2021)
Depressive psychosis- People suffering from depression also face certain period of losing with
reality. So, it is known as psychosis. In this person experience hallucination and delusions. Apart
from it, in this there are some physical symptoms as well that is observed that is difficulty in
sitting, etc. It is normal form of depression.
Perinatal depression- this stage of depression which occur during pregnancy or after child birth.
Thus, it normally occurs in women. This can also occur due to hormonal changes. The
symptoms are mood swings, sadness, anxiety, etc. they may occur day to day changes in level of
depression. Besides that, women face lack of sleep and physical discomfort in it. Hence, women
require a lot of social support in order to overcome depression.
Wigner, and Sliwinski, (2018), stated that it is important to manage depression so that
the person can overcome from it. Besides that, treatment of depression depends on its type and
stage. Generally, in young people it is important to manage depression as they are at high risk of
suffering from it. Moreover, they are more number of adults suffering from depression as
compared to other age groups. Managing of depression is most difficult task as it requires proper
planning. Therefore, there are various ways of managing and treating of depression that is
defined as below:

Medications- This is most common way to manage depression. In this there are various types of
medication that is available by which depression is managed. Here, for example- SSRI drugs,
SNRI drug, atypical and tricyclic antidepressants, etc. These all help in treating of depression.
Furthermore, it is important to choose to right meditation in it so that it can be given to person.
Alongside, doctor can also prescribe two or more than two medication such as mood stabilizer
which can be useful in treating depression.
Psychotherapy- It helps in treating depression by talking about condition and related issues with
a mental health professional. Psychotherapy is also known as talk therapy or psychological
therapy.
Different types of psychotherapy can be effective for depression, such as cognitive behavioral
therapy or interpersonal therapy. The mental health professional may also recommend other
types of therapies. There are many other types of therapies as well which can be provided such
as face to face sessions, online sessions, etc. to patient in order to treat depression. In addition,
there are many apps available as well of managing depression.
Other managing options- There are many other options as well that can be used to manage
depression. Here, first is by doing exercise or meditation depression can be managed. Also, by
sharing of views, opinions, etc. depression is managed. The best way is to get social support by
which depression is managed. The support can be of either family, friends, relatives, etc. that
helps in treating depression.
( stated that the managing of depression depends on which stage depression is. This
means if stage is higher than treatment is completely different. In that focus in on giving high
dose medications as well as various therapies. But on contrary if depression is at early stage then
focus is on practicing exercise, yoga, meditation, etc. in order to treat depression. Therefore, it is
essential that depression stage must be identified to manage it in effective way. This makes
things easy to determine that what type of treatment is preferable in that.
Support services available to young people
Introduction
In order to overcome depression there is need of support services which is available. The
services can be in form of health care, social, emotional, etc. this helps in treating of depression
in effective way. However, the use of support services depends on person needs. Thus, for young
people as well there are various types of support services available.
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In the view of Ozamiz-Etxebarria. and Idoiaga-Mondragon,, (2020), young people of age
18- 25 are having more social support as compared to other age group people. It is because they
study in college where they make a lot of friends and expand their social support. Also, it is an
age group where young people likes to meet new people and make friends. When young people
suffer from depression they require social support. This is because social support is necessary in
treating depression. Alongside, there are many organization and health care associations as well
who provide social support to young people in treating depression. Besides, social support
services are as :
Self-help groups- In UK there are many self-help groups who are engaged in treating depression.
These self-help groups consist of people of different age and profession. They talk with young
people and provide them necessary support services.
GP- it is also a social support service available to young people. The youngsters can directly
visit their GP that will help them to overcome and treat depression. GP are experienced
professionals who know how to deal with young people suffering from depression. So, they
support by saying to follow various practice such as yoga, meditation, exercise, etc. to manage
depression. The GP may also tell them to visit psychiatrist who will help in giving therapy or
medication.
Parents and friends- This is the most crucial social support that is available to young people. The
parents and relatives of people can provide them support to manage depression. Moreover,
young people are having many friends thus they can easily share their problem with them.
Therefore, both parents and friends provide support to them in treating depression.
Teachers and mentors- It is also social support available to young people. The teachers and
mentors can also help them to manage depression in effective way. They can both guide and
help young people to practice yoga and suggest ways on how they can treat depression. Hence,
this social support can also with parents and health care workers to help people to treat
depression.
In this study done by Friedrich, (2017), it is found that in UK there are various social
groups that are formed to provide help and support to young people to treat depression. These
groups work with young people and help in improving their lifestyle. However, young people,
parents and caregivers don’t have to struggle alone; expert psychiatric support for children and
adolescents is available, and the most crucial first step is to seek specialist treatment. The action

for children organization also provide social support to them. They provide all type of support to
them in effective way. The government have also emphasized on giving social support to young
people in order to overcome depression. For that social, financial, etc. support is being given to
them. This is making the youth feel more under confident and giving self-doubt that is creating
more anxiety and leads to depression that is hampering their physical health as well.
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CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
There is need to do research in proper way by selecting appropriate methods. The use of
method depends on type and nature of study topic and subject. It gives an overview to user that
what methods have been used. Also, it becomes easy for the researcher to process further in step
by step way. A research methodology is a complete framework in which different methods are
analyzed. So, by reviewing the methods, researcher can easily identify which method he or she
has used. In research methodology, the methods discussed are as below:
Research philosophy
This is the first element described by researcher. It gives an overview about overall
researcher is been done. It becomes easy for researcher to proceed further after selecting
philosophy. There are several types of researcher philosophies which can be used that are
pragmatism, positivism, realism or interpretivism. It mainly deals with development of
knowledge, nature and with its source. In other words, it is about the information that is
gathered, examined and used in systematic way. Pragmatism research by taking only one point
of view and gives results in multiple realities. It considers only research question as its
determinant. Realism is based on assumption of scientific approach. In interpretivism two
approaches are grouped together. It highly focuses on issues related to topic. In this study
positivism philosophy is taken. This is because it will help in gaining in depth knowledge and
understanding about topic.
Research strategy-
The strategy is process that is used in gathering of data. The two types of strategies that
are quantitative and qualitative. Thus, in qualitative the main aim is to gather more data and info.
In this secondary data is collected to know more about topic and subject. This is a simple method
and it takes less time to collect relevant data and info. There is also facts and figures gathered to
understand subject in more detail. But in quantitative there is only numeric data and info is
collected. This allows in gathering of relevant data and info and also easily attain goals and
objectives. Basically, quantitative strategy relates with numeric data and mathematics. Thus,
scholar has used only qualitative data. In this there is only secondary data is collected. It is
because of gather in depth info about depression in young people of age 18-25.
Research approach

It refers to procedure in which scholar define that how data will be collected. It enables
in doing study in proper way. So, there are 3 approaches that can be followed in research. They
are deductive, inductive and abductive. Inductive approach focus on emergence of innovative
theories and concepts that is obtained from the hypothesis. And in deductive validity of
assumptions are made in it. It led to verifying theory and coming to conclusion. In abductive
approach, some facts and figures are generated to be explained to complete process is dedicated
to statement of researchers. There is no involvement of hypothesis in the inductive approach. Its
objectives and aim should be attained during the research process. In current study, scholar will
use inductive approach. This will enable to generate new theories related to depression and
behaviour of young people. Also, as research is secondary so inductive approach will be suitable
in this as there is no hypothesis involved in it.
Research design –
It is an overall plan that enables in doing study in systematic and proper way. With that it
becomes easy to obtain outcomes in effective way. Besides, data is collected properly. So, there
are two strategies there that is exploratory and conclusive. So, in exploratory the data is collected
to find out more about topic and subject. Basically, it means to obtain more and in depth info
about topic and further investigate it. Also, the design helps in giving answer to research
question in effective way. The conclusive design gives conclusion of study. In this generally
casual is used which define cause and effect relationship. Therefore, in this research exploratory
design is used. It is because it will enable in finding out what are issues of depression, stages in
it, etc. Apart from it, it will be analysed what are social support available to young people.
Data collection
It is necessary to gather data in proper way so that accurate and relevant outcomes are
attained. Data collection is method of gathering of data from relevant and precise sources. Also,
it includes examining and analysing of info in order to generate relevant outcomes. There are 2
common method used in it that is primary and secondary. In primary first time data is collected.
So, the techniques used in it are questionnaire, survey, interview, etc. It is suitable method and
simple method as data is directly collected. And in secondary method the data is gathered from
previous articles, journals, books, etc. Here, info is evaluated in depth so that only relevant and
required data related to topic is obtained. This method is used to collect more info and have in
depth understanding about research topic and subject. In this research only secondary data
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method is used. This is because it will help to understand topic in more depth. Besides that, due
to pandemic it is not possible to collect primary data.
Sampling
By identifying the data collection method, next step done is data sampling. In this,
researcher divides population into different categories based on certain factors such as age,
gender, etc. This helps in targeting the right people and then collecting data. Sampling is done to
filter population for gathering data. The filter criteria can be on basis of age, gender,
demography, geography, etc. This can be done by using two techniques that is probability and
non-probability. As name shows probability means that all sample is having equal of getting
selected. In this probability is equal. In non-probability sample is having unequal chance. The
probability is unequal in this. There are various techniques in probability like stratified, simple,
cluster, etc. and in non-probability, it is multistage, purposive, etc.
Data analysis
It is necessary to interpret data in proper way so that accurate and relevant outcomes are
obtained. The overall study results are based on data analysis. So, it requires scholar to analyse
data and info properly. Data analysis is process to examine and interpret info to achieve aims
and objectives. Here, it requires scholar to have in depth knowledge about various data analysis
techniques. Thus, accordingly the technique is selected and then analysis is done. The researcher
must be able to analyse data in an effective way so that aim and objectives will be effectually
attained. Moreover, to get the desired outcomes, proper analysis technique must be used. In
order to interpret data, there will be various tools and techniques as well as methods available.
The selection of data analysis techniques also depends on the nature and info gathered.
Therefore, in current study thematic data analysis technique is chosen. It is because the
technique is simple and easy to understand. Moreover, results obtained is on basis of themes so
easily understood by user.
Ethics
There is need to follow certain ethics while doing research. This is because the ethics
enable in following certain rules and regulation. With that it becomes easy to conduct study in
proper and ethical way. So, firstly researcher will maintain the privacy and security of all data
and info collected. The outcomes of study will not be shared with any business or person. Then,
secondly scholar will ensure that dignity, ethics, values, etc. is maintained. Any religious

sentiments will not be harmed. Besides that, the data will be stored and secured in server or
computer system. Its confidentiality is maintained and ensured.
Validity
Usually, validity means extent to which right tools and equipment are used in research.
The tools used helps in interpreting data in accurate and reliable way. So, internal and external
are validity in study. If validity is not maintained than it can impact on overall outcomes. Hence,
here scholar will maintain validity by making sure that data is gathered from authentic and
relevant source. Besides that, the journals, articles, selected in it will be from relevant search
engine website. Furthermore, articles selected will be from PubMed, google scholar, etc. and
from various other authentic search engines.
19

CHAPTER 4 DISCUSSION
As elucidated by ( it is stated that depression is rapidly increasing in young people of age
18-25 in UK. Also, there has been various symptoms that is being observed in them. It is found
that many of them were not able to sleep properly, they become anxious, hopeless, etc. besides
that, it found that most common symptom observed is that there is change in behaviour of young
people. The remain silent and depressed and do not like to talk to others. So, it clearly shows
symptoms of depression. Also, there is constant change in their behaviour due to which it is
impacting on their mental health. Apart from it, physical health is also affected due to that. Thus,
depression is seen in young people to a great extent. In spite of having social support they are
not able to overcome depression in effective way. It has been found that 1 out of 4 young people
suffer from mental health problem of some kind in UK. Also, 1 out of 6 is suffering from
depression. In students it is found that 1 out of 5 suffer from mental health issue. And from
depression 1 out of 3 student suffer. Besides that, in a study it is found that 19.2 % of adult is
suffering from depression in UK since June 2020. But before pandemic the rate was just 9.7%.
so, it means that the rate has doubled due to covid 19. Young people are suffering from
depression more during pandemic than in previous year. There are multiple factors that have led
to younger population undergo different phases of depression. It is amongst the few diseases that
is affecting the people from 18 to 25 years. Firstly, with growing competition at the global level
and rise of technological advances has made it difficult for them to survive. However, with
YouTube and e learning platforms, the competition is aggressive and the parents expect kids to
be smart. This is pressuring for the average students or the ones who want to pursue something
unconventional such as playing a sport, pursuing a dance form or starting a business only. Next
is the exposure to social media platforms that is putting a certain amount of undue influence on
the ways the children/students must look or behave. Suddenly a person of 20 years old is
expecting to behave like a 25 years so that he or she can do the work more professionally. It is
unacceptable expectations from them as they are still in their learning phase. It leads to anxiety,
shakes confidence and also impact the mental health. This is making the youth feel more under
confident and giving self-doubt that is creating more anxiety and leads to depression that is
hampering their physical health as well. The physical and sexual abuse has increased in UK
among young people. Due to that they are being suffering from depression. The young people

are coming with a lot of complaints regarding abuse. So, it is also reason of rise in depression in
age 18-25.
It has been analysed that the main cause of depression in young people is due to abuse or
stress. Due to that they are not able to communicate with others. Besides that, there is lack of
sleep, anxiety, etc. by which people are not able to share their views. They feel lonely and
remains hopeless most of time. In addition to it, in depression mental health is adversely affected
due to which young people are not able to make focus on their studies as well. Besides that,
when young adults are being abused they like to remain lonely. Also, they think again and again
of that incident in their mind. Along with that, they are not able to get enough sleep. Moreover,
through their behavior depression is easily observed. They do not communicate or interact with
family members, friends, relatives, etc. it has been found that female remain more depressed as
compared to males in young people in case of abuse. This is because female is more sensitive
than males. In addition, there are more abuse being done on female in UK than male. It is
because female is easy target of physical, sexual abuse. When they are abused it create a
negative impact on their mind. Apart from it, they think that sharing of such incident with others
result in questioning their character. Therefore, they remain silent and lonely. Female feel more
hopelessness when cause of depression is abuse. There is constant change in their behavior. They
also become irritative and start talking rudely with others. The young adult behavior is adversely
affected due to depression. They are not able to deal and handle depression in effective way.
Another cause of depression is loss or death of close ones.
Besides that, it has been analysed that most young people are in stage of persistent and
manic problems. Here, it is found that the symptoms that are shown by them is low self-esteem,
sadness, change in diet, etc. these highly impact on their physical and mental health.
Furthermore, the cause behind this stage of depression is abuse, loss of loved ones.
And in maniac depression stage the cause of depression is genes, serious illness, etc. in
this it is evaluated that the depression occurs for some time period. For example- when an adult
gets ill then he or she suffer from depression. But after when illness is overcome then depression
is also overcome. But this does not occur in all cases. However, in some case the depression
moves to further next stage. This is because of the person is not able to cope with cause of
depression for long time. It is necessary to identify the stage of depression so that it becomes
easy to treat it. It is because treatment depends on stage of depression. There are natural ways of
21

treating it as well that is SAM’e, 5- HTP, Omega-3 fatty acid, and many more. The depression
can be treated with help of providing social support services, communication, exercise, yoga,
meditation, etc. around 32.4% of adults are doing exercise and yoga to overcome depression.
They have also made changes in their diet. Besides, due to lack of awareness as well many adults
are not able to identify symptoms of depression. So, they do not get treatment in time which
results in leading to severe level of depression. This was found in 5.6% of adults.
It has been evaluated that medication and psychotherapy are most common way of
treating depression. Many of young people also prefer medication to be taken to treat depression.
Usually, in initial stage of depression medication is used to treat it. The person is easily treated
and overcome depression from it. There are many young adults who are taking psychotherapy to
treat depression. It is found that One adult in eight that is 12.1% receives mental health
treatment, with 10.4% receiving medication and 3% receiving psychological therapy. The
overlap within the statistics is due to 1.3% of those receiving treatment reporting receiving both
medication and psychological therapy.

From above graph it is stated that among all mental health problems depression is highest
in this that is 59.4%.
It has been said that there is inequality found in treatment in depression as well. Here,
women are more likely to get or receive treatment as compared to men. In this 15% of women
receive treatment than 9% men. Along with that, it is found young people of age group 15-24 get
less treatment as compared to old age people. In addition to it, British people get treatment that
is 13.3% as compare to BAME group that is 7%. And in black minorities ethnic group the
percentage is 6.2%. due to this inequality in treating depression there is rise in cases in young
people of age 15-24 than old age people. There is no specific policy which is formed to ensure
that both young and old age people get equal treatment. The young people are not having
knowledge and skills on how to manage depression. When they get treatment the stage of
depression is major. Hence , it is difficult to treat stage through medication only.
In the view of ( there are many support services available to young people for treating of
depression. The main support service young people of age 15-24 prefer is self-help groups. For
23

example, the groups such as FABS, FYA, families need father, Friday club, etc. these groups
operate in different areas in UK. They provide social, emotional, physical, etc. support to young
people who are suffering from depression. The main purpose of group is to help young and old
age people to overcome mental health problems. 79% stated self-help group said that their main
group activity was self-help and social support, with 72% of their activities relating to consulting
with decision makers and 69% being involvement in education and training.
It is analysed that in social support parents and friends provide important support to
young people. In almost 80% of cases the parents and friends help in giving social and emotional
support. Moreover, they are the people who remain close to youngsters and are aware about their
behaviour. besides that, it is also easy for them to talk and interact with in order to find out what
the issue is, how it can be deal, etc. hence, by sharing views and communicating with young
people social support is provided. Furthermore, teachers and mentor also help young people to
overcome depression. They communicate with them and notice change in behaviour. thus, on
basis of that they give advice to them that how depression is treated. Teacher and mentor help in
decision making as well. They provide financial and emotional support as well. They ask them
to practice yoga, do exercise, take healthy diet, etc. but these all support is not provided by self-
help groups. They only help in social way by allowing young people to engage with them and
also in various social activities. However, these support services can only be applied when the
stage of depression is maniac or persistent. In major depression stage the self-help group is not
useful. Here, only GP or psychiatrist help is taken. Therefore, in UK 63% of young people of
age 15-24 believe that GP support is more useful. They take help of GP and not self-care groups.
They approach to group only when depression stage is normal.
The main cause of youth when they suffer from depression is lack of confidence. When
they are not able to take proper and effective decision in life then it result in stress. Apart from
that, around 9.7% of adult are not able to take decision regarding their education and career.
Thus, they are not able to interact with parents and teachers. So, they do not get social support.
Here, when youngster compare themselves with other success, lifestyle, etc. then they realize
that they are far behind from them. This led to sadness and grief among them due to which they
start feeling depressed. Hence, it is also reason in depression in young people of age 18- 25.

 CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION
From above it can be concluded that main cause of depression in young people of age 18-
25 is due to abuse or stress. Due to that they are not able to communicate with others. Besides
that, there is lack of sleep, anxiety, etc. by which people are not able to share their views. They
feel lonely and remains hopeless most of time. In addition to it, in depression mental health is
adversely affected due to which young people are not able to make focus on their studies as well.
Besides that, when young adults are being abused they like to remain lonely. Also, they think
again and again of that incident in their mind.
25

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