Millennials – born between 1980 and 1999 – are a generation that has been written about and stereotyped mercilessly. They’re described as overly sensitive, whiny, narcissistic and entitled – spoiled by their helicopter parenting.
But this endlessly criticised generation is, by many accounts, the most socially responsible, ecologically-minded and diversity-embracing one on record.
Still, a 2017 Deloitte Millennial Study shows that only 36% of the Millennials believe they’ll be better off than their parents financially, and only 31% believe they’ll be happier. Their vulnerabilities are well documented in the staggering rates of psychiatric disorders.
Millennials and Financial Security
Millennials were told growing up that if they go to college and work hard, they’ll land themselves a great career. It seems that things didn’t quite turn out that way. Statistics show that millennials have a higher percentage of individuals living with their parents until late in their 20s which has led to problems in other areas of their lives such as dating.
Because of stagnant wages and longer work hours, coupled with student debt, millennials also feel that their jobs have a powerful impact on their mental health, and statistics reflect this in the high burnout rates.
So, no. Contrary to popular belief, millennials are not wasting their money on avocado toast. They’ve been hit hardest by the 2008 recession and now the economic consequences of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. They’re stressed out and wondering if they’ll ever reach the same level of financial stability as their parents when the only options to pay their bills ore often internships and freelancing.
Comparison Culture and Loneliness
The unrelenting stream of social media humble brags makes it very difficult to focus on your own progress and work at your own speed. Millennials have grown up looking at these idealised glimpses of other people’s lives and wondering why they’ve fallen behind.
As a result, they create their own idealised glimpses to show their worthiness to their peers which can give them a temporary confidence boost but, in the long run, it perpetuates their insecurities.
Even though in the virtual realm millennials are the most connected generation, they’re also the loneliest. They marry later, and they’re less likely to be involved in religious communities which means they’re less likely to have a strong social support system to help them cope with life challenges. One survey showed that 30% millennials feel lonely often or always, and many have no close friends to share their mental burdens with.
The Therapy Generation
The good news is that Millennials also deemed “the therapy generation” are helping destigmatise the concept of psychotherapy. When experiencing mental health difficulties, millennials are much more likely to turn to therapy than people their age from previous generations.
A 2017 report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State University shows a significant increase in college students seeking mental health services. This may be because millennials have a different view of therapy. They see it as a form of self-improvement.
Maybe you feel lost and anxious about your future. You feel an intense pressure to succeed, but you’re judged for every decision you make. Perhaps you’re starting to think about your family, upbringing and current situation in ways that are upsetting. It’s also possible that you’re not sure what’s bothering you and you just have a general sense of discomfort. At UK Therapy Guide, we can help you get in touch with the best-suited therapist for your needs.
