Why Are Millennials So Anxious?

It’s no surprise that millennials are the most anxious generation in history. And, there’s no doubt that although they are living in the convenient age of technology, millennials do have to face issues that past generations have not. A college degree is the new high school degree, but jobs aren’t exactly being distributed freely amongst graduates. Rates of depression are rising amongst millennials in university and it’s one of the leading causes of death within this age group.

 

This generation spends a longer time in education than any other generation before them. As a result of the gap years and constantly altering jobs, millennials also marry later. Hence, they spend more time at a stage where employment is not guaranteed and the future is uncertain. Despite the growing social acceptance of living as a couple while unmarried, it is difficult to do so in an owned house. In the UK, on average, house prices have risen by 7% per year since 1980, with the number of first time buyers dwindling as the prices have increased.

 

 

 

Thus, the standard age of getting settled in a home with a family and stable income is also well over thirty years old. The normal “adult” life may seem extremely far away for millennials, generating ambiguity on what’s to be expected. As a result, a millennial’s anxiety comes from the idea that maybe they should be doing something else, following a specific path, or should have been more successful at this point in their life.

 

In addition, despite contrary beliefs, the digital age is making it more difficult to connect with one another. A millennial’s dependence on technology induces more stress and worry, yet most fail to recognize it. Checking your phone for an email within the first half hour of waking up shouldn’t be a custom, but it is the routine of many individuals who may never break from technology.

 

However, mental health is a top ranked concern for today’s young adults. They are more likely to identify a mental health issue than other generations and talk about it with their friends, post about it on social media, and seek professional help. Like everyone else, millennials are also dealing with inevitable hardships such as political and economic uncertainty, global warming, and rapid development in technology. Accordingly, it is important for everyone to step back for a minute and reconnect with others and yourself.

 

Rachel Kahng, Grade 10

Seoul Foreign School