Rising Anxiety in Millennials: Why This Generation is so Worried

Sep 18

Who are Millennials?

Let's talk about millennials as a group for just a moment. The term "millennials" was coined by authors William Strauss and Neil Howe back in the late '80s. They wanted a way to describe the generation that would come of age around the turn of the millennium. So, if you were born between 1981 and 1996, congrats, you're a millennial! Early on, people thought this generation was going to change the world. They grew up with the internet, so they were the first to really get how big a deal it was. They were also seen as optimistic and open-minded. But as they got older, life threw some curveballs their way, like the 2008 financial crisis, housing shortages, inflation, economic decline, skyrocketing educational costs and student loans. So, while they started with a lot of promise, they've also had to deal with some tough stuff.

Which Generation Has the Most Anxiety?

When it comes to anxiety, millennials take the cake. Studies show that this generation reports higher levels of stress and anxiety than any other, especially Generation X. Millennials and Gen Xers are like siblings from the same family but with different vibes. Gen X folks were born between 1965 and 1980, right before millennials came on the scene. Here are some of the main differences, as it relates to our discussion:

Education: Millennials are the most educated generation so far, but that comes with a price—lots of student loan debt. Gen Xers also value education but didn't have to pay as much for it.
Economy: Gen Xers got a head start in the job market before things got super competitive. Millennials, on the other hand, had to deal with the 2008 financial crisis just as many were finishing school or starting jobs.
Social Issues: Millennials are often seen as more open-minded and focused on social justice. They're big on equality and making the world a better place. Gen Xers care about these things too, but millennials are more vocal about it.
Work-Life Balance: Gen Xers are often seen as the "latchkey" generation, meaning they value independence and are okay with a divide between work and home. Millennials want more balance and often look for jobs that feel meaningful.

So, while they're part of the same family tree, millennials and Gen Xers have their own ways of dealing with life's ups and downs. Sure, every generation has its struggles, but millennials seem to be feeling it more. Why is that?

Why Are Millennials More Prone to Anxiety?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are some big reasons. First, let's talk about social media. It's like a highlight reel of everyone's life, but it's not the full story. Millennials are always comparing themselves to others. This can lead to lower levels of self-acceptance, lower self-confidence, and poor self-esteem.

Another reason for higher levels of anxiety is financial troubles. Many millennials are drowning in student loan debt and can't afford things like houses or fancy vacations. Add to this the rising cost of living, and out of control housing costs, and it can make you feel like you're falling behind in life.

If you're one of those people feeling the weight of anxiety, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with us to get some help.

Why Life is Harder for Millennials

Job insecurity and the cost of living are like two big clouds hanging over millennials. Back in the day, people could get a job and stick with it for years, even decades. Now, it's not that simple. Companies are cutting jobs or moving them overseas. Plus, the rise of gig work means fewer benefits and no job security.

At the same time, the cost of living is going through the roof. Rent, groceries, gas—you name it, it's more expensive. And let's not even talk about buying a house; that's like a dream for many millennials. So, you've got folks who are unsure about their jobs and stressed about making ends meet. It's a tough combo that's making life harder for this generation.

Millennials definitely face some unique challenges. The world is changing super fast. Technology is cool, but it also means that you have to keep learning new stuff just to keep up. And let's not forget about the environment. Climate change is a big worry for millennials. They're the ones who will have to deal with the mess, and that's stressful.

The Pandemic

The pandemic hit millennials like a ton of bricks. Just when they thought they were getting a handle on life, boom, everything changed. Jobs were lost or went remote, and that's if you were lucky to keep your job at all. Social lives went out the window, and mental health took a nosedive.

For those with kids, juggling work and homeschooling became the new normal. And let's not forget, many millennials are in those "essential jobs," putting their health on the line. On top of all that, the pandemic made the future look even more uncertain. It's like life threw a curveball when millennials were already down. So yeah, the pandemic made an already tough situation way harder.

Conclusion

Millennials have a lot on their plate, and it's causing a rise in anxiety levels. Many just don’t know how to cope, and do their best to survive from day to day. From social media pressures to financial woes, the challenges are real. But remember, it's okay to ask for help. You don't have to go through it alone.