The millennial generation seeks counseling for a lot of things that maybe you wouldn’t expect. Especially if you get mass media messages about the millennial generation being lazy or entitled. If you actually look at what the millennial generation has been through, including the 2008 recession and having the largest amount of student loan debt, they/we (at my age, I am a “mature” millennial), are a resilient group that has had a lot of challenges!!
Things That Make Life Hard for the Millennial Generation
As part of the millennial generation, I can tell you that we were faced with very high expectations. And, many of us had “helicopter parents” who also expected the greatest of things for us. Here’s the part that’s tough though… We were told that we graduated high school, went to college, then immediately found our dream job afterwards (followed by marriage and kids). This is truly the end of the “American” ideal of our parents, the Baby Boomer generation of the 50’s. It just doesn’t work that way anymore.
Instead, the millennial generation was hit with the recession and really hard times finding even the most basic of jobs. Their college degrees (for many, not all), became “useless” as they ended up working in careers that didn’t fit their education or passion. The awesome thing about millennials though? We are resilient. Also, we are the generation of freelancers, small business owners and passionate professionals in our careers. And, we care a lot about our integrity and doing a good job. (This though, leads to our perfectionism… read on).
My Millennial Story…
After I graduated from college, I went straight into grad school, earning two master degrees, thinking I was going to get my dream job and earn good money, get married, and so on… The truth is, it was so hard to find a job. I moved back in with my parents, lifeguarded (which, I absolutely loved and is still my dream job, it was just a little weird to be in my twenties lifeguarding with 16 year olds…lol) and worked at a daycare center for a while. At the same time, I was working in a mental health setting with no pay, hoping I would get hired after the summer.
With the help of my best friend, I found my first paying mental health job, move my way up working in different settings, and so on and fast forward. I am now my own boss, running my own business, Peek Counseling. I am married now, and live in my own house! This all would not have been possible without my parents, friends, and my now in-laws. Did I mention after we got married we moved in with my in-laws because we couldn’t afford to rent or buy a house at that time? Yes. I am truly lucky to have supportive people in my life, and while yes, I didn’t have to pay rent, I had a roof over my head, I got to eat for free, I did do my own laundry, I also worked hard to get where I am today and will continue to work hard. Thank you mom and dad! – Katie
Common Millennial Concerns in Counseling
So, back to some of the common concerns that so many in the millennial generation have. As I mentioned, millennials struggle with perfectionism. And, because of the economic situations we had to go through, we’re working harder than ever, putting so much pressure on ourselves. We’re the digital generation that experienced social media only as young adults (for the most of us). This has greatly impacted us. We are the generation that compares ourselves and where we are at in life. It can lead to a great deal of self-questioning and doubt.
Which leads us to self-esteem issues. If we don’t match up to said parental or societal expectations, and we aren’t “perfect” every day… are we failures? It’s a question that millennials often ask of themselves. This leads to stress. Stress leads to health problems. Ahhh… it’s hard being a millennial!
The Good News for Millennials and Mental Health
So, there’s a lot to be concerned with when you’re a millennial. One thing I haven’t mentioned yet is one that’s close to my heart. As a millennial growing up, we were idealistic. We thought we can change the world. I still believe that we can, but so many are really questioning that as we grow older and see the world making mistakes and seeing so much destruction and pain. In fact, never before have we had so much access to information. It can be disturbing, but it can also be enlightening. Let me explain. This brings me to the good news for millennials.
Since we have access to so much information, millennials are also the ones taking a stand. We are taking a stand for our health and for our dreams. We’re eating better, taking better care of ourselves, seeking counseling and help when we need it, and we’re constantly working on self improvement. It’s unique to the millennial generation and those following it surely, because we want to be better versions of ourselves. This is great news for millennials and mental health!!! Always keep striving and you will get anywhere you want to be. I’m here to help.
About the Author
Katie Bisbee-Peek, MA, LPC, NCC, is a millennial counselor in Denver. As the owner of Peek Counseling, Katie’s practice is a warm, welcoming space for young adults, millennials, teens and individuals seeking help with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, career challenges, life transitions, high school or college struggles or anything that is making life harder for you right now. Peek Counseling is a place where you can be yourself and even use a little laughter to get through some painful moments. Ready to start? Click here.