Midlife Crisis? Think Again: The Toughest Years Are Now in Your Youth!
A recent study reveals that young individuals are experiencing what could be considered a midlife crisis, with many finding themselves in the most challenging phases of their lives.
The research revealed that across six English-speaking nations globally, an escalating mental health crisis indicated that young people were not among the happiest generations anymore.
Traditionally, happiness was considered to follow a U-shape – where young people have care-free experiences, then a tougher middle age and a more comfortable later life.
But experts say the course of happiness over our lifetime has changed and wellbeing now rises steadily with age instead.
Young people are currently going through what could be called an ‘early-onset midlife crisis,’ with their period of maximum distress beginning as young as age 18.
According to the research paper published by the US National Bureau of Economic Research, ‘the traditional U-shaped curve indicating well-being across different ages has disappeared in these nations, being substituted instead by a significant decline in well-being amongst younger people.’
Individuals polled throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia,
Canada
and
New Zealand
It was observed that life satisfaction and happiness have declined among young individuals over the last ten years, with young women being particularly affected.
The prevalent use of smart phones and social media in young people suggests this mental health crisis coincided with increasing internet use.
The study suggested the rise in technology meant the youth aren’t going out as much, socialising or having sex, which has impacting overall happiness.
David Blanchflower, the principal researcher (alongside Jean Twenge) and ex-member of the Bank of England’s policy committee, stated to the
Guardian
There was a significant decline in well-being in both the United States and the United Kingdom, which they linked to the rise of social media, cyberbullying, and online body shaming.
The younger generation has grown more isolated. Instead of focusing on the fact that individuals spend time on their phones, we should consider what they miss out on. They venture outside less frequently, engage less with friends, interact minimally with others, and experience reduced sexual activity.
He stated, “There isn’t any doubt that we’re facing a complete global crisis. The youth seem to be in significant turmoil and distress. The real issue now is figuring out how to address this situation, but unfortunately, we haven’t found the answers yet.”
Various research has connected the adolescent mental health epidemic with unrestricted social media use, precarious job situations, and environmental crises.
Young individuals are more likely to find themselves outside of the job market, particularly those dealing with mental health issues.
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