Seeing people living their #bestlife can often make us question the trajectory of our own lives.
When we come back to the present, we can feel those negative sensations subside.
After your stomach quelled itself, thoughts of uncertainty about your own life likely started popping up.
Verywell / Dennis Madamba
That stomach drop sensation and uncertainty about the life ahead is what’s known in therapy-speak asexistential dread.
At a Glance
We’re living in a super stressful time.
Politics and talk about the climate are stressful too.
All of these combined can lead to feelings of existential dread.
This dread is defined by intense worries about our futures.
The good news is that there are ways to quell these fears.
Young Folks Are *Really" Struggling Right Now
Young folks are not doing so great.
They’re trying harder than ever, and carrying the heavy weight of existential dread.
Read on for my favorite insights I share with my clients.
Practice Mindfulness and Drop Into the Present Moment
I know, I know.
You likely rolled your eyes the second you read my first tip.
I take no offense and I don’t blame you.
I’m sure you hear the term mindfulness gets thrown around a lotespecially on social media.
But there is a reason for itit works.
Of course, it can certainly be difficult especially when dealing with a flurry of negative emotions.
Amindfulnesspractice is the best place to start when focusing on becoming more present in your daily life.
Those who have a mindfulness practice tend to report lower anxiety and depression symptoms.
Take a look at the accounts you turn to most often.
Are you relying onTikTokto get filled in about current events?
If so, pay attention to how you feel when you watch content on that app.
Notice where your mind tends to wander or if you feel discomfort in your body.
It’s time to curate your social media feed.
Scroll through your followers and unfollow or mute accounts that leave you feeling uneasy.
Dont be precious with this process.
Rather, be as discerning as possible.
Thats fantastic, if so.
Something Ive come to realize in my work is how devastatinglyalonethose in pain can feel.
So, be real with those whom you feel safe with.
Dont just shrug and say youve been better.
In doing so, youll realize youre not alonewhich can be a beautiful unburdening.
Take Action Where it’s possible for you to
Theres much that is outside of our control.
Honing in on what you might control may be the balm your soul needs right now.
Change will be co-created.
Remember this and take it as a reminder that it is OK to pause.
It is OK to rest.
You’ll begin to notice, day by day, the dread evaporates.
National Institutes of Health.Expert Gets Us Talking About the Generations.
Gen Z, Millennials Stand Out for Climate Change Activism, Social Media Engagement With Issue.
Education Data Initiative.Student Loan Debt by Generation.
2023;71(3):930-941. doi:10.1080/07448481.2021.1909046
American Psychological Association.Gen Z more likely to report mental health concerns.
American Psychological Association.Existential Dread.
2021;18(3):925.
