I’m an anxious millennial, get me out of here!
For many of us, asking for help is like crying out into the great abyss. The anxiety of what will they think of me? They won’t understand and what could anyone really do to help me anyway? Anxiety has become a way of life for many, as Simon Copeland puts it. Copeland discusses what anxiety stems from,“ Increasing job insecurity, housing stress, economic and income instability and a future of climate change, environmental destruction and conflict.” I don’t know about you, but just reading that sentence makes me want to do a backflip off of a very high cliff!
That was morbid, but I’m sure you can relate… But really, how do we cope with these emotions of despair, how do you remove yourself from this spiralling train of thought? It’s especially hard in this day and age when we are constantly exposed to other people’s success. It’s hard not to feel inferior when everyone around you is becoming engaged, having babies, graduating and embarking on careers. We’re happy for them sure, but you start to reflect on your own life and think, “Hang on, I still live in my childhood bedroom with my mum and dad and wipe lipstick stains off soccer mums mugs for a living.”
Not that social media is solely to blame, as it has a lot of positives. However, it is a massive contribution and has created a lot of negative mental health and self esteem issues. My concept is further highlighted by Richard Eckersley in his article which discusses the deterioration in mental health within the Western Civilisation. He discusses the break down in values and how our current generation lacks guidance when it comes to meaning and belonging. I mean, take a step back, there are 20 year old girls getting paid to take photos of themselves on instagram and just be pretty. WHAT?! He argues that we are part of a culture that focuses primarily on self pre-occupation, and is he wrong? We’re a generation of people who constantly post our every move, meal, and success in life.
This, I believe, is leaving millennials feeling helpless and anxious as to what they’re going to do with their future. Some are accountants and lawyers, and some are insta-famous. There’s lack of structure or balance, and no one to help us figure it out. Go to a psychologist, sure, but that costs an arm and leg. Eckersley argues that we need to restore our values and beliefs and re-establish our purpose and direction. But how do we do that?
Deep breaths, stay calm. I, a highly under-qualified individual who you should probably not be taking advice from, is here to help! While I have no official authority in helping other people cope with their inner demons, I am living proof that with positive thinking and engaging in proactive activities, you can manage the stresses of living in the 21st century.
What NOT to do…
- NOTHING. The worst thing you can possibly do, is nothing. GK Chesterson said that, “Anything worth doing is worth doing badly.” So work towards something, start small, even if you fail. At least you have tried to improve yourself.
- Negative self talk — We are all prone to doing it, some more than others. Don’t. There is literally no point in kicking yourself down, it gets you no where. Instead, write a list of qualities you like about yourself, and focus on those.
- Scroll through social media if it makes you resentful of other people — Being angry at other people for “coasting through life”, is both not productive, or realistic. That person you’ve been stalking that appears to have it all, may be going through something that you do know about. It’s best to shut it off, and engross yourself in what is real, and in front of you.
- Emotional eat or take to alcohol — It’s easy to grab a bottle of wine and a block of chocolate and hide in the safe confinements of your room. But that isn’t going to improve your psychological state.
What DO I do?
Well, let me tell you, whatever you are feeling, you’re not alone, which leads me to number one.
- Reach out to a family or friend that you trust. Vent, cry, share, I can guarantee they will understand more than you know.
- Yoga or pilates — Your eyes are probably rolling into the back of your head, but trust me. Nothing calms the soul like deep breathing and exercise and gets your eyes off the screen!
- Drink more water — I believe water is the key to everything. Keeping your body happy and hydrated helps your blood circulate better, and means you don’t get headaches.
- Exercise — YUCK, I know. Also falls under the yoga/pilates category, but it’s so important to keep your body moving. Not to mention, exercise helps your brain release endorphins, that happy little chemical that gives you the warm and fuzzies. It’s proven to be a natural anti-anxiety treatment, (alright, vegan friendly!).
- TREAT YO SELF — What ever your financial situation comfortably allows, go and pamper yourself. Buy a new outfit, shoes, get your hair or nails done, go to paintball with the boys. Anything that brings you joy, do it, self love is important and you deserve it.
- Positive self talk — You know how girls talk to their friends after a break up? “GIIIIIIIIRL, He does NOT deserve you, you are beautiful, you smart, he can’t get better than you. Stunt on him queen!” Yeah do that, but to yourself, because you are a Queen, or King.
- Read, read, read — The Barefoot Investor, this guy, is THE man! If you’re feeling anxious about your financial situation, dive into this book.
