12 Ways to Help the “Anxious Generation”

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Being young was once synonymous with being carefree, but the “young and free” of today aren’t free from stress and anxiety. Statistics reveal that Gen-Z and millennials’ experiences of stress today are significantly more intense and frequent than those of the older generations, and simultaneously, feelings of connectedness to those around them are reduced.

What is making young people anxious, and how can they be helped? With mounting pressures from academics, social media, and a chameleon job market, anxiety has become a frequent companion for many young people.

Here are some practical strategies to help this generation overcome their anxieties and build a brighter future.

1. Encourage Them to Talk

Encourage honest conversations about feelings and fears. When young people feel safe to express themselves, it normalizes their experiences and diminishes feelings of isolation.

These discussions don’t have to look and sound very official. They can happen in various settings—at home, in schools, or within peer groups. A culture of open communication can significantly reduce the stigma around mental health issues.

2. Promote Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can really help manage anxiety. These practices let you center yourself and focus on the present moment, easing those racing thoughts and overwhelming feelings.

Starting with just a few minutes of mindfulness each day can yield positive results. Whether it’s through guided meditation apps or mastering the art of breathing like a zen master, young folks can arm themselves against stress and anxiety.

3. Encourage Healthy Screen Time

Screens have become like air for many young people—they can barely survive without them. However, experts say excessive screen time can exacerbate anxiety.

Advocate for a tech-life balance: hit pause on the social scroll and step away from screens. Urge young folks to swap likes for hikes and emojis for fresh air. The cure for digital anxiety could be as simple as unplugging and venturing outdoors.

4. Support Emotional Resilience

At times, we adults can act like we haven’t experienced the same challenges that young people face. They may be different, but we must teach young people to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Encouraging them to face challenges rather than shy away from them helps build emotional strength. Sharing stories of resilience through books, films, or the time you flopped a job interview can help to inspire them and work through their difficulties.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

Have you seen people’s reels? No one is struggling on social media—people are “thriving.” There’s pressure to excel in every aspect of life. It’ll be helpful to show anxious youths how to set achievable goals and remind them that perfection is unattainable.

Celebrating small victories along the way can bolster their confidence and alleviate feelings of inadequacy that may lead to anxiety. Emphasize the importance of progress over perfection.

6. Encourage Physical Activity

Exercise is a powerful antidote to anxiety. Encourage and support young people to engage in regular physical activity, whether it’s team sports, dancing, or simply walking.

Physical movement releases endorphins, which can elevate mood and reduce stress, providing a natural outlet for anxious feelings. Participating in group activities means they can get out of the house and meet actual people to reduce loneliness.

7. Model Healthy Behavior

Adults play a crucial role in shaping young people’s perceptions of mental health. By openly discussing mental well-being and seeking help when needed, adults can set a powerful example.

Modeling healthy behaviors reinforces the importance of prioritizing mental health and encourages the young people close to us to do the same. Showing vulnerability can strengthen relationships. Share your struggles and coping strategies to create a culture of openness and understanding.

8. Encourage Critical Thinking

Cultivate critical thinking skills to help young individuals navigate misinformation and societal pressures. Engaging them in discussions about current events and encouraging them to ask questions can empower them to think independently.

Encouraging young people to evaluate sources of information critically helps them become informed consumers of media. This practice reduces the likelihood of being overwhelmed by negative news or unrealistic portrayals of life.

9. Normalize Seeking Professional Help

Encourage young people to seek professional support if they aren’t coping with the street they’re under. Therapy and counseling are the ultimate power tools for tackling anxiety. By normalizing and talking about seeking help, we chip away at the stigma surrounding mental healthcare.

Sharing mental health resources is like passing down a secret recipe for peace of mind and can give them hope by showcasing therapy success stories.

10. Promote Healthy Sleep Habits

Do you have a young person in your house? Have you seen how late they go to sleep? Most are up late binge-watching shows or playing video games. Sleep deprivation can significantly worsen anxiety symptoms.

Encourage healthy sleep routines, emphasizing the importance of rest. Proper sleep hygiene, such as consistent bedtime routines and limiting screen time before bed, can improve mental clarity and emotional regulation.

11. Educate Them About Mental Health

Understanding mental health is like having a handy toolbox for life’s ups and downs. If we teach our young people about anxiety and mental health, it will help them become more skilled navigators of life.

Learning algebra is excellent, but integrating mental health education into school curriculums lays a solid foundation for a happier and more productive life.

12. Celebrate Progress

Life can be difficult and discouraging, but recognizing and celebrating progress, no matter how small, can be incredibly motivating. Show them how to acknowledge their achievements and growth.

This practice can shift focus from their setbacks to their positive progress. Create a culture of celebration among peers to strengthen bonds and encourage mutual support. Nothing beats having a cheering squad when you need some push.

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