Managing Midlife as a Millennial

When I started my first private practice in 2012, many of my clients were young adults, like myself - Millennials. Since then, we have all gotten older, but the unique demands placed on our generation have persisted. Millennials face a variety of mental health needs influenced by societal, cultural, and economic factors. Some of these include:

Digital Stress

Millennials were the first generation to grow up immersed in digital technology, and are the last to remember life before cell phones. This can lead to stressors like “doom scrolling,” information overload, social media comparisons, online dating burn-out, and digital addiction.

Economic Pressures

Many of us entered the workforce during a time of financial crisis, facing challenges such as high student loan debt, precarious job markets, and difficulty in achieving financial stability or homeownership.

Work-Life Balance

We tend to prioritize work-life balance more than previous generations, seeking flexible work arrangements and valuing experiences over material possessions. However, the gig economy, persisting gender inequalities, and demanding work cultures can make achieving this balance difficult.

Social Isolation

Despite being hyper-connected digitally, millennials report high rates of loneliness and social isolation. Factors such as frequent relocation, delayed marriage, and smaller social networks contribute to this phenomenon.

UNREALISTIC STANDARDS

Millennials as a whole tend to be competitive and achievement-driven, and may internalize pressure to appear successful and put together. This can lead to unrealistically high standards that aren’t great for self-esteem.

Environmental Concerns

Millennials are often deeply concerned about environmental issues, such as climate change and sustainability, which can contribute to eco-anxiety and feelings of hopelessness about the future.

Political and Social Climate Concerns

Millennials have come of age during a time of significant political and social upheaval, with issues such as reproductive justice, racial injustice, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ rights at the forefront. This can contribute to feelings of stress, anger, and disillusionment.