Shedding light on mental health problems and potential solutions for young women: results from an anonymous asynchronous online focus group

Introduction: Mental health challenges - including anxiety, depression, and self-inflicted injury - have risen sharply among teens and young adults in recent years, particularly among females. These trends have unfolded alongside a growing epidemic of loneliness, which has disproportionately affected younger generations. Emerging evidence suggests that social disconnection both exacerbates mental health symptoms and limits access to meaningful social support during critical developmental periods. Although the relationship between social media use and adverse mental health outcomes is well documented, important questions remain regarding the underlying causes of these challenges among young women and how best to assess and address them. This study used asynchronous online focus groups (AOFGs) to explore young women's perceptions of mental health challenges and to identify strategies to address them. Methods: Young adult females aged 18-25 living in the United States were recruited via social media platforms to participate in AOFGs in May 2023. Participants completed a baseline survey and anonymously engaged in online discussions by responding to daily prompts and to each other's posts over three days. Participants were compensated and invited to complete a satisfaction survey. Discussion transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Fifty-two young adult females participated. Baseline survey results showed high levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and social media addiction, alongside low social connectedness. Nine themes were generated via thematic analysis. Several prominent mental health problems were discussed, including depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, substance use, and body dysmorphia. Identified contributors included pressures amplified by social media, experiences with misogyny, stigma surrounding mental health, and concerns about the state of the world. Participants expressed the need for connection, trust, healthy conversations, and self-care strategies. They highlighted the need for strong support networks and improved awareness and accessibility of mental health services. Discussion: Young females are facing significant mental health challenges within a complex social landscape. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening social infrastructure to foster connection, alongside reforming digital environments to support, rather than undermine, meaningful and healing relationships. Future research must develop innovative approaches to reach young women, especially in digital spaces, to address mental health problems at individual, interpersonal, and societal levels.