Even if they’ve never been diagnosed with anxiety disorder before, if you ask any millennial about their experience with anxiety, chances are they all have a story or two to tell. More susceptible than generations before, it would seem that the more advanced and complex the world becomes, the more reasons there are for the average young adult to become stressed, overwhelmed, and increasingly anxious.

What’s Anxiety?

In and of itself, anxiety is nothing more than the body’s natural response to high levels of stress. It is the inner fear or apprehension about the immediate, near, or far future. Anxiety is commonly felt for things like auditioning for a part in a play, going to a job interview, or starting your first day in college. These feelings become a problem when they don’t go away. If you’re constantly on edge feeling stressed or overwhelmed about life or a particular event, it can take over your life. Some stop doing what they love, become afraid of certain activities, people, or events, and even isolate themselves.

How Does this Relate to Millennials?

If feeling anxious is common and can happen to anyone for a number of reasons, how is it that millennials are being ranked as the top generation dealing with these clusters of mental health disorders? Here are some of the common causes of anxiety in millennials today:

  • Social media – As great as it can be to log onto a website and communicate with millions of users around the globe, social media is a modern convenience that should be used responsibly. When you have the world at your fingertips, there are a number of things that could result in feelings of anxiety. For starters, millennials have been known to use their phones at least 3 hours out of every day. The need to want to be plugged in at all times is enough to create a panic (when it doesn’t happen). The information found on social media outlets also comes into play. With newsfeeds filled with current events and negativity, it can cause one to become anxious about the world around them and their future in it. Lastly, the often “perfect” persona portrayed by others on social media causes many to compare themselves and feel stressed or even pressured to be just as good if not better than their friends.

  • Career and Finances – Another issue plaguing millennials is job and financial stability. As many graduated during a time when the economy was at its lowest, finding a job that is just as fulfilling as it is stable is rough. Even those who do manage to hold down a good-paying job, the increased pressure to pay back thousands in student loans, maintain a living with an ever-raising cost of living, and in some cases, care for children and aging parents takes a toll.

  • Harsh Realities – With good intentions in mind, most parents of millennials raised their children under the belief that if they put their minds to it, they could do anything, be anything, and have anything they wanted. When thrusted into the real-world, however, millennials are met with the reality that getting what you want, when you want it, isn’t as easy as their sheltered upbringing had caused them to believe. As a result, when they get into the world and things don’t go as planned, they become insecure, depressed, and unsure of themselves as adults.

Beating Anxiety

Feeling anxious on occasion is normal, however, if you start feeling this way for weeks at a time, it is a problem that needs to be resolved. Here are some steps you can take to start beating anxiety.

  • Take natural supplements – the mind and body often need help to stay in good health. If you’ve been suffering from anxiety, Vegan CBD gummies are a great supplement to add to your diet. They help to ease feelings of stress and anxiety and may help you get through the day as you learn how to use other methods to cope with stress. If you’re wondering does cbd show up in a drug test, you don’t have to be worried as taking small doses on a daily basis will not show up.

  • Unplug – social media is great, and for some millennials, it may even be part of their jobs to stay plugged in, but you need to take a break sometimes. Feeling the constant need to connect on a digital platform, reading negative content, and trying to keep up with false portrayals of success can trigger your anxiety. Try to limit social media use to an hour per day until you’re feeling better.

  • Find stability – job security and finances plagues everyone and the cost of living doesn’t make it any better, however, there is a solution. For starters, look for a job that you’re passionate about. Passion often drives you further and keeps you hanging on even when the paychecks aren’t what you’d like. Then, work on developing a solid financial plan that helps you to get your bills in order, save for the future, and live a better life.

  • See the good/Work on the weaknesses – it’s true that life is a lot different than what your parents may have been trying to shield you from. However, it is a place where you can still succeed and reach your goals. Believe in yourself more by seeing the good in you. Point out your strengths, and instead of complaining, work on your weaknesses. In doing so you can succeed and learn from your failures.

  • Talk it Out – You might find it hard to talk to people about your feelings. You may get worried that they won’t understand you. If you’re in this situation, you can opt to seek confidential counseling services from professionals. The fear of being scrutinized or judged can lead to social anxiety disorder, which will eventually affect your school attendance or relationship with family and friends.

    Pent-up feelings or tensions can burst inappropriately or embarrassingly. Decide who you want to talk to. More so, there are psychotherapists who specialize in talking to young people.

  • Walking – Taking a walk has shown to shut down the anxious part of our brain. When you walk, you’ll have discerning thoughts and peace of mind. Seeing the beauty of nature will rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. Ensure you find an incredible, perfect place for a nature walk. Enjoy the best sunset and beautiful trees. 

From everyday habits like social media use to sheltered upbringings and the fear of financial and professional failure, there are a lot of issues plaguing the millennial generation. If you’ve been feeling especially anxious over the past few weeks with no resolve, it is imperative that you start making changes. Use the above-mentioned ideas as a start, however, if there is no change you may need to see a doctor about other solutions like therapy, medication, and even dietary changes for a better chance at happiness.