Maybe you’ve finally landed your first “adult” job, and you’ve taken on the responsibilities that your parents used to handle for you when you were younger. You thought that taking these big steps into adulthood would feel liberating and boost your confidence.
On one hand, you’re proud of yourself for moving forward in life. But you also feel completely overwhelmed by everything that you have to handle. You certainly don’t feel like you have your life “all figured out,” yet it seems like all of your friends are doing just fine.
There’s no doubt that the transition to adulthood can be anxiety-inducing. But what causes this intense anxiety? Let’s explore a few reasons why young adults might struggle with their mental health.
The Weight of Responsibilities
When you step into adulthood, you gradually take on more and more responsibilities. Depending on the chores your parents delegated to you as a child, and your living situation in college, you might not have had to handle many household responsibilities, and your budget might have been much more flexible.
Now, with bills to pay and your own household to manage, you’re realizing just how much the adults in your life did for you and how simple things were when you didn’t have these tasks on your plate. Even if you’re living with family, you’re likely expected to pitch in with more tasks around the house.
Lack of Understanding
Young people who have entered adulthood over the past few years have had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have affected their experiences in college or high school. I may have also had an impact on your job search and employment prospects.
Getting on your feet in adulthood while grappling with the pandemic may have caused you to turn towards your parents or older relatives for advice, only to find a lack of understanding. You might have found that older generations don’t always have insights on the unique obstacles that young adults face today.
Increased Cost of Living
Today, everyone is trying to cope with the increased costs of living, particularly in regards to the housing market. Yet young people are still expected to meet traditional adult milestones, like getting married, buying a house, and having children, on the same timelines that their parents did. Failing to do so can invite invasive questioning and pity from other people.
Trying to cover the high costs of living and establish your independence is not easy.
Unstable Circumstances
When you were younger, you might have felt like the adults in your life had all the answers. But right now, your life might feel unstable and uncertain.
You might be living in a city that you don’t love, staying with roommates out of financial necessity, working at a job that you want to leave, or trying to determine whether you want to stay with your current partner. Basically, it might feel like your whole life is constantly in flux. The lack of stability can definitely exacerbate your anxiety.
Little Time for Yourself
When you were younger, you probably had more time for your hobbies, which functioned as adults for stress relief. Now, as you juggle work, domestic responsibilities, and other obligations, you may have pushed all of your hobbies to the back burner. Furthermore, if you have a demanding job, you might have very little time for self-care. It’s all too easy to get burned out when you enter adulthood.
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Are you struggling with anxiety as you enter adulthood? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.