The Quarter Life Crisis is Real

We are all familiar with the midlife crisis, and the old cliché about sports cars, but are you aware of the quarter-life crisis and its impact on the mental health of young adults?

The quarter life crisis is a phenomenon that many young adults experience during their mid-to-late twenties and sometimes even into their early thirties as they transition from school to tertiary education, and/or enter the workforce.

They may have achieved certain milestones like graduating from university or college, starting their careers, becoming financially independent, forming committed relationships, perhaps even excelling in their work. Even so, they may still feel be plagued by anxiety, self-doubt, and uncertainty, feeling lost, aimless and questioning everything. With the speed at which life moves these days, it’s no surprise feelings that used to be association with middle age are now hitting people in the prime of their life.

The quarter life crisis is real and someone going through it could feel like their life has no purpose; they could be questioning their study or career choices; they could be questioning their very identity, as they drift away from school friends and start forming new relationships and interests that may not align with who they once thought they were; they could have doubts about their own self-image, their goals, values and beliefs.

Ultimately, they could feel lost, restless and confused, which can in turn have a severely negative impact their mental health, especially because the part of the brain that processes emotion is still busy developing.

Over the past four years, my work has centred around supporting underserved young people in the critical stage of early adulthood. Having both hands-on experience and a year and a half of intensive study focusing on adolescents transitioning into early adulthood, I've come to really understand the challenges and concerns faced by this demographic. It's a stage often overlooked in discussions on youth development, yet it's a pivotal period where decisions made can significantly impact future opportunities.

Young adults are navigating a number of challenges, from risky behaviour and decision-making to managing emotions and forging their own identities. It's no surprise that they sometimes struggle with these aspects of life. Left to navigate this period without support or with parents who see them as entitled or tell them they need to make decisions and stick with them, push through or suck it up, it’s no wonder so many young adults struggle with depression and anxiety, as well as substance abuse.

The quarter life crisis is real, and rather than wish this phase of life away, parents can offer support and guidance needed to navigate this stage with confidence and resilience.

Here’s how:

Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings without judgment. Let them know it's normal to feel uncertain during this phase. It's essential to be curious about their decisions, understanding the motivations behind their choices, and actively listening to what they have to say.

Empathy and Validation: Acknowledge their struggles and validate their emotions. Let them know they're not alone.

Encourage Self-Exploration: Suggest activities like journalling, volunteering, or trying new hobbies. Self-reflection can lead to personal growth and deeper self-awareness.

Career Guidance: Help them explore different career paths and provide guidance without imposing your own expectations. It’s crucial to be open to their point of view, even if it differs from our own. Young adults are in a stage of semi-independence, where they are forging their path away from the family unit. As mentors or guides, we should offer them various options and perspectives without being authoritarian, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

Finally, don’t let your own fears get in the way of being truly supportive. You may fear that photography is not a lucrative career path, but let the young person decide for themselves if that is where their passion lies, and rather guide them in terms of how to make it a lucrative career. Get involved in practical, useful ways instead of by criticising their choices.

The quarter-life crisis is a normal part of young adult development. By offering support, understanding, and practical advice, parents can help their children navigate this challenging yet transformative time in their lives and help prevent a decline in mental health, which could negatively impact the rest of their lives.

For purpose or mindset coaching, visit: https://shift1degree.com/

?

?