Experts are increasingly recognizing a growing phenomenon among young adults, often referred to as a “quarter-life crisis.” This term captures the intense feelings of anxiety, depression, and confusion many face as they navigate their early adult years. Unlike the traditional “midlife crisis,” which often revolves around concerns about aging, career status, and romantic relationships, a quarter-life crisis is more about the anxiety of finding one’s footing in the world. Young adults grapple with challenges like funding their education, securing employment, achieving personal fulfillment, and the daunting prospect of moving out of their parents’ homes to live independently.
This sense of uncertainty isn’t limited to young adults; it trickles down to the next generation—teens who observe the struggles of their older siblings and peers. Such observations can create a bleak outlook as they ponder their own futures just a few years down the line.
It’s important to note that teenagers face their own distinct challenges in the present. Issues like understanding sexuality and identity, forming peer relationships, and learning to navigate family dynamics vary greatly based on individual experiences and backgrounds. On top of this, there’s a growing concern among young people about the planet’s future, exacerbated by escalating environmental and social crises. Additionally, the constant pressure from social media, where young individuals feel the need to remain perpetually engaged with a vast, often judgmental audience, adds to their stress.
Addressing these concerns is crucial for promoting mental health and well-being among young people. Understanding the complexities of their experiences can lead to more effective support systems and a brighter outlook for the future.
It’s no wonder that mental health issues are a continual problem for today’s young people. So what can you do about it?
Seeking professional help
Whatever else you do, if you’re talking with a young person experiencing mental distress, a crisis or suicidal thoughts, referring them to a trained professional is key. Depending on the person’s age and family background, consulting with the parents or caregivers might be a good suggestion.
However, each situation is unique. If the young person is experiencing distress because of their family, the solution might be to seek someone at their school or a close peer. Finding the right support network for the person in need and evaluating their own ability to seek help is an important step in getting them the help they require.
Talk up, not down
If you’re trying to approach a young person or teenager about their mental health, don’t talk down to them. The anxiety and stress they feel are likely every bit as real as your own, even if you arrive at an office every day whilst they head off to school.
Talk to them as you’d talk to someone else at work. Consider that their point of view is likely something you’ve been through yourself, only for them, it’s happening right now. Use your own experience to help relate, but don’t take it personally if they feel you’re unable to connect with you.
The generation gap
The generation gap is a point that’s hard to cross for non-professionals. Some people seem to have a way with kids and young adults, while others can’t find that point of connection.
The solution is to avoid bringing in comparisons whilst still relating to young people.
Comparison is an ugly word that feels for many like a ‘measuring up’, evaluating one experience against another. It’s a useful tool for helping us distinguish dogs from cats and chicken burgers from tofu salads — but it can be counterproductive when talking with a young person about their feelings. They may not feel it relates to something you’ve been through or that they’re at a disadvantage because you’ve ‘overcome’ your anguish, while they don’t know if they ever will.
If you’re comparing anything, it should be to more abstract terms, such as physical pain or unpleasantness. Use your experience to help understand the situation, but allow young people to express themselves as they feel best.
Understanding important terms
It’s also advantageous if you understand the terms and the signs behind what a young person might be feeling. Eating disorders and suicidal thoughts are high among the negative experiences of young people, so understanding what these look and sound like in a developing brain is crucial to providing help.
Getting Mental Health First Aid training
If you’re in a position where you interact or look after a group of young people, getting certified training to help support them is a terrific idea. Mental Health First Aid training is a way of training yourself to recognise mental health issues and act as a first aider, becoming a young person’s point of contact before they’re referred on to fully qualified help.
The good thing about Mental Health First Aid training is that it’s widely available, affordable and takes around two full days to complete. MHFA training also certifies you as a Mental Health First Aid responder who can approach young people and seek help on their behalf.
‘Your’ First Aid Trainer is qualified to deliver first aid training to people working with youths and youth groups, with a range of blended online and face-to-face workshops. If you’re interested in becoming an MHFA responder, you can book a class with us here.
Sources cited:
- Blum, Dani. “What Psychologists Want Today’s Young Adults to Know” in The New York Times. 29th July, 2022. Site Link: https://nyti.ms/3P5nFLY.
- “How Does Social Media Affect Teenagers?” on Newport Academy. Date Published: 14th July, 2021. Site Link: https://bit.ly/3BIAE3l.
- Martin, Peter. “Intersections of Environmentalism: Youth and Justice” on Green Neighbors. Date Published: 26th April, 2021. Site Link: https://bit.ly/3Jz74Pm.
- “Mental Health: Poor Mental Health is a Growing Problem for Adolescents” on CDC: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Date Last Reviewed: 12th May, 2021. Site Link: https://bit.ly/3Jz74Pm.
- “Teens and social media use: What’s the impact?” on Mayo Clinic. Date Published: 26th February, 2022. Site Link: https://mayocl.in/3d1k44d.