The 25-year-old crisis: Gen Z faces pressure in work, love, and life.
Many young people in Generation Z, aged 20 to 35, are experiencing a period of stress, anxiety, and self-doubt, known as the 25-year-old crisis.
Gen Z and the 25-year-old crisis: "Nobody taught us how to live."
Many people have described their 20s as the best time of their lives. But for Generation Z, those currently aged between 20 and 35, the reality is quite different.
The pressures of self-discovery, career development, and independent living, combined with economic instability, environmental crises, global conflicts, and the influence of social media, have made life more chaotic and difficult to control than ever before.
Recent data shows that only 17% of Americans under 30 have deep social relationships. The 18-25 age group, once considered the happiest according to the famous U-curve happiness index, now reports lower levels of satisfaction than those in their 40s and 50s, partly due to the negative impact of social media.
Social and economic pressure
Gen Z faces pressure to define themselves, start careers, and achieve financial independence amidst global crises such as economic instability, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change.
Sadie Salazar, a therapist and COO of Sage Therapy, says the current world is “chaotic and challenging” for young people, with many expectations placed upon them. The harsh job market, especially in sectors like technology, makes finding stable employment even more difficult.
Emotions during a 25-year-old crisis
According to Jasmine Trotter, a Gen Z therapist at Wild Cactus Therapy, the 25-year-old crisis brings many intense emotions. Young people may:
Feeling pressured to find purpose in life.
Experiencing stress or anxiety
Having difficulty making big decisions like choosing where to live or starting a family.
Disappointed with my current position in life.
Feeling overwhelmed when trying to balance finances.
Facing the sadness of letting go of your old self to enter adulthood.
How can we get through this period of great uncertainty?
Experts recommend specific strategies to help young people stabilize their emotions and find direction again:
1. Don't compare yourself to others.
Trotter emphasized, "Don't compare your behind-the-scenes story to someone else's highlights." Everyone's journey is different, and social media only shows the tip of the iceberg.
2. Establish a daily routine.
Salazar suggests that maintaining repetitive activities like exercising, calling a close friend weekly, or keeping a journal helps you feel in control of your life. "It doesn't have to be flashy. Just consistency is enough."
3. Seek professional help if needed.
Psychotherapy not only helps you see the problem clearly, but also supports the development of stress coping skills. Everyone has different experiences, so a personalized approach is needed.
