"A Millennial is a person born between the early 1980s and the late 1990s"
Anxiety has become increasingly prevalent among us millennials, leaving many wondering what exactly is behind the rise. I'm going to look at the hidden factors contributing to the higher prevalence of anxiety disorders among millennials and look at the unique challenges faced by this generation. By understanding what is behind this rise, we can manage and overcome anxiety in our daily lives.
Picture this: a young person scrolling through their social media feed, bombarded with perfect images of friends and family living seemingly flawless lives. In the background, notifications from constantly pinging, demanding attention and creating pressure to be constantly connected.
It's no wonder anxiety rates soured among millennials, being that they were the first generation to deal with social media and smart technology!
Social media is just the tip of the iceberg. Millennials are grappling with pressures and uncertainties like never before. Living in a culture of comparison, constantly fearing that they are missing out on something or not succeeding. Academic and career expectations weigh heavily on their shoulders, and navigating the rapidly changing job market is hell.
I'll provide insights into strategies for managing and recovering from anxiety. Afterall I did it pretty well.
The Rise of Social Media and Constant Connectivity
The millennial generation will be the last generation to have enjoyed a social media-free childhood. The most common technology we experienced was teletext and dial-up internet. Although we are blessed to have experienced a childhood without pinging phones, we grew up alongside the internet, therefore we lived through the rapid change and had to deal with the new pressures that we hadn't foreseen or prepared for. Now we are more aware of the dangers over overexposure...something we weren't aware of in the early 2000's.
Social media platforms have become an integral part of life, it’s no surprise that constant connectivity has played a significant role in the increased anxiety, but in what way? and how can we monitor it?
We went from knocking on our friend's houses to texting from the next room and it feels like this disconnect happened overnight.
With just a few taps on a screen, we can now access an endless stream of information, photos, and updates from friends, family, and strangers. While this constant connection may have seemed harmless and even exciting at the time, it has created some dangerous traits, such as:
Pressure to constantly compare oneself to others at a time when we were still building confidence in ourselves, as young people
A need to maintain an online presence into our adulthood which is exhausting and anxiety-inducing.
A feeling of not "keeping up", even though we were there at the start of it all, there is still a looming feeling of not being with the times and advancing at the same speed.
Why isn't my life as good as their is?
Social media presents a curated version of reality, where people often showcase the highlights of their lives, leading to feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out). Carefully crafted images of success, happiness, and perfection can be difficult for anyone to digest, and this constant exposure to idealized versions of life can leave us questioning our worth and happiness. Even though we do it ourselves, and know that the images we put up aren't the "real" story, we will struggle to acknowledge this when it comes to others. We don't stop to think, "maybe this isn't completely authentic" because we don't have the attention span or inclination to do that when there might be a funny animal video coming up...
Am I not good enough?
When we are in this cycle of negative thinking and low self-esteem we can often put additional pressure on ourselves to be better, and do better and in turn anxiety disorders increase. We may develop OCD tendencies while trying to seek perfection or begin to fear our environment due to feelings of inadequacy. This is why it's so important to take note of these changes in our moods and try and work out what is causing them.
Do we even have boundaries anymore?
The constant connectivity with smartphones and social media has blurred the boundaries between personal and work life. We are often expected to be available and responsive around the clock and pressure to be connected can exacerbate anxiety, leading to a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed and unable to disconnect from the demands of work and social obligations.
Enhanced by the COVID lockdowns, remote working increased, which in some situations is bliss however for a generation already struggling with increased anxiety disorders, reducing their social time and making them more isolated is not going to help. It's a comfort blanket, inside a comfort zone.
Discovery Journal can help identify these triggers and clear up the confusion. I found my anxiety disorders to be overwhelming and it seemed like there was no pattern, just sheer chaos but I was wrong. Through a series of simple activities, patterns can be seen and changes can be made.
If you are riddled with anxiety from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your eyes, it can feel like it surrounds you constantly. This journal is designed to help narrow down what areas of your regular day are playing into that anxiety. Because once you know what's causing it, you can do something about it!
The bright-ish side:
While social media and constant connectivity can have negative impacts on millennial anxiety, it’s important to note that it also provides opportunities for support and connection if used responsibly. Online communities and support networks have been established to help people with their mental health challenges. Leveraging these platforms healthily and mindfully can find solace in knowing we are not alone in our struggles and can seek advice, share experiences, and find resources to manage our anxiety.
My thoughts as a millennial:
I have a mostly hate relationship with social media. I grew up in the era of the Nokia 3310, so you'd think that the parallels of my growth with the growth of smartphones would be an easier transition but it wasn't. I wasn't aware of the negative effects of it as a teenager, because no one knew, it was all shiny and new! It was an addiction I didn't even realise I was partaking in. I know now that I need to limit its use, that I'm not seeing the world as it is, I'm seeing what someone else wants me to see, but I've worked hard on my mental health to get to that stage. I fear for those who haven't and the generations younger than me.
I've included a reflective section about the impacts of social media in both the ASC version of the Discovery Journal and the Teen version, to help those younger than me do the self-reflective work to see the damage of social media and see its use in a different light.
Not sure what version of the Discovery Journal would be right for you? Try taking our quiz and find out what we recommend for your unique way of thinking...
Economic Pressures and An Uncertain Future
Economic pressures and an uncertain future are factors that contribute significantly to millennial anxiety.
I'd just like a house, please.
One of the key economic pressures faced by millennials is the burden of not being able to afford to pursue life goals, such as homeownership or starting a family. The weight of these financial obligations can contribute to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about their future. It feels like the cost of living is constantly rising making hitting any of these life milestones much more difficult.
Just a decent job then?
Millennials are confronted with a highly competitive job market, where finding stable employment can be a daunting task. These days you require 15 years of experience for an internship or put yourself through the incredible anxiety-provoking dance of, 3 interviews, 2 trials and a 6-month probationary period before feeling any kind of security. The fear of unemployment coupled with the pressure to meet societal expectations of success, can create feelings of depression or lack of accomplishment.
The traditional notion of job security has been disrupted, making it difficult to predict and plan for long-term financial stability. The rise of automation and artificial intelligence further adds to this uncertainty, as it raises concerns about the future availability of job opportunities and the skills required to remain employable.
My thoughts as a millennial:
I grew up in a landscape of "you can be anything or do anything!" and although that is positive and affirming, it is also unrealistic. Even after having been to university and studying what I thought would be a prosperous and niche market, it seemed incredibly difficult to get into paid work (although the "exposure" and "work experience" also known as unpaid work were plentiful). I can't tell you how many times I received letters telling me I was "overqualified" or "under-experienced" two completely contradictory messages. The housing market feels as though it's been unstable for as long as I've been alive, and everyone I know has had to buy with a friend, rely on parents or stay at home. I often experience feelings of imposter syndrome and like I'm not where I should be in life.
Comparison Culture and Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
We are constantly exposed to images of beautiful landscapes, bustling cityscapes of travel experiences we may never afford. Images of stunning people, and "idyllic" bodies diet culture tells us to aspire to. Happy smiling faces of the rich and famous we know to be a lie and yet we can't help but be jealous.
It's a living nightmare of our creation.
Constant exposure to others' lives in our hyper-connected world has left millennials inundated with images and updates that shine a spotlight on their accomplishments, experiences, and material possessions. This constant stream of comparison can be emotionally taxing, and lead to feelings of inadequacy and an amplified fear of missing out on life's opportunities.
Maybe if I just try harder, or do better.
Comparison culture and the fear of missing out gave rise to a mentality that is always striving for more, pushing millennials to constantly measure their accomplishments against those of others. It could be argued that every generation now feels this way due to social media, however with the millennial generation being the first exposed to it's this pressure we have been riding this wave the longest and without any protection or warning. The fear of being left behind can contribute significantly to anxiety levels among millennials.
Every day is a constant reminder of others' seemingly perfect lives, causing self-doubt and a fear of falling behind. The fear of missing out on key events or experiences can also lead to a constant need to stay connected and engaged, resulting in an inability to disconnect and starting the vicious cycle all over again!
We tried to conquer these issues by including an "interactions" section in the Discovery Journal, highlighting the people you've come into contact with and taking time to really consider how you feel after your interaction with them, are they contributing to your anxiety? Are they adding value to your life?
We often overlook how the people in our lives really impact or contribute to our mental health; we tend to justify any negative feelings because we have a sense of loyalty, connection or shared history.
We are all busy, we need people around us to ease our stress and the idea of losing someone is never a happy thought, but not realising that someone in our life could be doing more harm than good can be slowly destructive.
It could be solved by a simple conversation and yet we put it off.
This section of the Discovery Journal allows you to see those patterns and make constructive conclusions.
The Impact of Academic and Career Expectations
Growing up in a highly competitive society, where success is often equated with straight A's and prestigious job titles, it's no wonder that anxiety levels among millennials are on the rise. As a generation, millennials seem to have more drive to seek self-employment or their own businesses.
In years past it was the norm to work your way up the ladder in one skilled job, and it was quite normal to stay within one company for the entirety of your career; then it shifted again, with generations working their way up within a company, but often moving to different workplaces that offered more promise. Finally, we look at the millennial generation who unlike any before had more opportunities, in new industries and education, so they opted for self-employment or starting their own little empires. Unfortunately, they did so without the knowledge of how the world would turn against everyone economically.
The generation behind millennials is finding new opportunities by harnessing the power of influence.
The economic downturn experienced during millennial's formative years has made them acutely aware of the challenges they may face in securing stable and fulfilling careers. The need to stand out among their peers and climb the corporate ladder becomes an ever-present concern.
The increasing competition in the job market has only added to the millennial generation's anxiety. It's not unusual to have to either fill in several online forms or go through 3 interviews or multiple "trials" before getting in the door at a job. Unfortunately, this sense of rejection can severely affect the self-esteem and confidence of millennials.
Navigating the Changing Landscape of Relationships
Millennials find themselves grappling with the changing dynamics of relationships. As modern society has shifted away from traditional norms and expectations, millennials are faced with a multitude of options and possibilities when it comes to personal connections and "dating".
Was it something I did?
This constant influx of choices can be both exciting and anxiety-inducing. We are dealing with rejection on a whole new level by swiping endlessly or starting conversations that end spectacularly quickly, leaving you wondering what you did wrong.
In the digital age, relationships have taken on an entirely new dimension. The rise of online dating platforms has revolutionized the way millennials form and maintain relationships. With just a few swipes or clicks, they can connect with people from across the globe, expanding their social circles in ways never before imagined. However, this level of connectivity also comes with its own set of challenges. The ease of forming connections online can lead to a sense of detachment and superficiality in relationships, leaving millennials craving deeper, more meaningful connections. Sometimes quantity can overrule quality and having too many options can be overwhelming and not allow you to see when a true connection comes along.
Millennials are facing shifting societal expectations when it comes to dating, marriage, and family. Traditional notions of gender roles and timelines for marriage and starting a family are no longer observed and yet they are still imposed.
There are more options and freedom to explore different paths and millennials often find themselves questioning what they truly want from their relationships. Conventional ideas of marriage and family are no longer the "norm" with divorce and co-parenting becoming more popular and yet the traditional ideal of marriage and the 2.4 kids hasn't disappeared. The two ideals contradict each other leaving millennials confused. The pressure to find the "perfect" partner and maintain a fulfilling relationship can be overwhelming.
Social media inundates millennials with images of seemingly perfect relationships, adding to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem and anxiety. The fear of missing out on the ideal relationship, commonly referred to as FOMO, can leave millennials constantly second-guessing their choices and feeling uncertain about the future.
My thoughts as a millennial:
They say whatever is easy isn't worth it and whatever's worth it isn't easy and I believe that when it comes to online dating. Although I've seen it work out many times over, it isn't for the fainthearted. I feel lucky to have worked as long as I have in customer service, and to have improved my people skills and confidence over the years because the online dating landscape can be brutal. I have seen the best and worst of people so approaching online dating wasn't scary but even for me I had days where I lost confidence, not just in myself but in others. There were times when I wondered why I was bothering. I don't think anyone could really say they've enjoyed the experience of online dating, even if it's worked out in the end. In my opinion when we are exposed to so many interactions primarily online we lose the ability to read body language and gain crucial people skills.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Anxiety in the Millennial Generation
As I've gone over there are many contributing factors to why there are heightened anxiety-related disorders amongst the millennial generation, being one myself I can say that most of the things covered have contributed to my anxiety, even if they may not have been the "cause" and it's certainly on-going.
This kind of anxiety tends to be embedded at a young age, and you might not even realise it's having an effect until a lot later on in life, because it's just stuff you deal with right?
There are a few recommendations that have helped me overcome some of my worst anxiety triggers:
Creating boundaries
After discovering more about where I was being triggered and how my anxiety comes about I decided to implement strict boundaries in my personal and work life. I needed to protect myself and put myself and my health first.
Journaling
I've kept a journal since I was a child and I still turn to it when I'm feeling particularly confused or overwhelmed. I'm always seeking answers to why I'm feeling like I am and the best person to answer those questions is me.
Turning off
I'm very disciplined with what my devices are used for and how I use them. I don't have games on my phone and I don't use my phone when I'm working. I find that if I allow myself to use it on breaks I'm limiting my time while still "feeding my addiction" to stay connected.
Saying No
I love it now! No is a complete sentence and I do live by that. I may be missing out, but someone will tell me if it's important and maybe what I'm "missing out" on is something I don't want to be a part of anyway. What if I fill that time with someone constructive or something I know I'll enjoy...then I'm not really missing out at all!
Talking
Talking to people around me really helped reduce my anxieties, even if you are discussing how rubbish being a millennial can be sometimes.....it's a start to a bigger conversation!
Self Reflection
To take control and recover from my anxiety disorder I first recognized and acknowledged my anxiety triggers. This could involve identifying specific situations, relationships, or patterns of thinking that contribute to feelings of anxiety. Once I knew I began to develop strategies to manage and mitigate their anxiety and it all starts with taking the time to really understand yourself, from your perspective not the perspective of others!
And as a millennial that is exactly what I designed the Discovery Journal to do! After years of anxiety and OCD, the only thing that worked to help me manage it and move on with my life was understanding myself, and learning what my triggers were and where they came from. It worked for me, maybe it can work for you?
Comments