Tumultuous Twenties

You have always heard and assumed this would be the time of your life. From entering into college, college life, from graduating to living a new "adult life style" with new found freedom, responsibilities and relationships, what more could you want? Actually, it could be more than you bargained for.

Why are my friends doing so well? How come I feel stuck? Why did I choose this major? Should we break up or get married? Am I the only one married with kids? How am I going to pay off my debt? Wil I be able to buy a house? The questions keep coming and young adults today are feeling more out of touch than they expected to be at this stage of life. How can anyone expect you to make major life decisions when you are not sure of what you want or who you are?

Pondering decisions you need to make about school, careers, relationships and money might be enough to send you into a tailspin or at least many sleepless nights. It has for many other young adults in their twenties and into their thirties. These can be a time to start figuring out who you are and want to be, what you might want now and where you might be headed in the future. There is a great deal of pressure to feel completely grown-up overnight. You could still be enjoying college life, living with your parents and before you know it you are faced with pressures and expectations you were not prepared for.

Many young people in this generation have felt helpless, hopeless and have struggled with the post college blues. Symptoms can include feeling guilty or worthless, anxiety, depression, a sense of being overwhelmed, sadness, and varying degrees of other emotions. Today these twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings are hearing from previous generations, they are lucky to have all of these opportunities. Withall the options a state of confusion and many roadblocks can present during this journey.

Early adulthood can often be a tumultuous stage of life. This is a time in life where self awareness and honesty can become invaluable. Too much pressure and distorted thoughts can really make a tough time tougher. This is a time to discover what works and what doesn't at this time in life. Developing a plan of action for life that is reflective in ones beliefs and working towards them can help you feel more productive, as well as empowering. This is a great time for self exploration and a chance to answer provoking questions that present.

Ways to help you be Proactive in your life:

-Recognize others share these struggles and obstacles, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
-Make decisions based on good judgment, not because you were pressured
-Start to identify strengths and weaknesses
-Set realistic goals
-Seek support when needed
-Treat self with respect and care (Set a good routine:eat, sleep and exercise regularly)
-Be proud of your accomplishments, both big and small.
-Remember one day at a time.

As a therapist working with young adults and families who are experiencing transition in their life, I have found many struggle with the same questions that develop when life offers numerous roads to take and it often looks like the picture is too big. Watching people learn to trust in themselves and develop a healthier sense of self enables these individuals to feel more capable of making more confident decisions in their life. As well as helping them feel more present and active in their life.