Anxiety can significantly impact a person in their 20s in various aspects of their daily lives.

As a professional counselor, I have worked with a number of clients and supervised dozens of therapists working with clients in their 20’s. One common theme for our clients in the 20’s age group is “anxiety”. There is a lot of anxiety about college, grad programs, beginning careers, dating, and normal “adulting” parts of life. Many times, we have found that parents have done their best to raise their kids very well, but they have shielded their kids from life lessons that require failure in order to learn. The result of this shielding can lead to anxiety as these kids move out of the house to go to school and begin their careers.

Some common Anxiety effects include:

1. Interfering with work or school performance: Anxiety can make it difficult to concentrate, focus, and complete tasks efficiently. This can affect academic performance or job productivity.
2. Strained relationships: Anxiety can lead to irritability, mood swings, and social withdrawal, making it challenging to maintain healthy relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners.
3. Disrupted sleep patterns: Anxiety often causes sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. This can result in fatigue and decreased energy levels during the day.
4. Physical health issues: Chronic anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, and increased susceptibility to illness due to weakened immune function.
5. Impact on self-esteem: Constant worry and self-doubt associated with anxiety can erode self-confidence and self-worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority.
6. Avoidance behaviors: Anxiety may prompt individuals to avoid certain situations or activities that trigger their anxious feelings, limiting their experiences and opportunities for personal growth.

Overall, anxiety can significantly diminish the quality of life for individuals in their 20s, affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, academic or career pursuits, and overall sense of fulfillment and happiness.

How COVID-19 helped increase anxiety for young adults:

With our current cohort of 20-somethings, we also have to examine how COVID-19 impacted social development of this generation. Below is a video that depicts a common theme among our 20-something clients that were in college during COVID-19.

What can we do to help?

Supporting a young adult child struggling with anxiety can be challenging yet essential for their well-being. Here are five helpful things parents can do to support their 20-something adult child in overcoming anxiety:

1. Encourage open communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Listen actively and validate their experiences without dismissing or minimizing their anxiety.
2. Provide practical support: Offer assistance with practical tasks or responsibilities that may feel overwhelming for your child, such as helping them find a therapist, scheduling appointments, or assisting with daily chores or errands.
3. Offer emotional support: Be empathetic and understanding towards your child’s struggles with anxiety. Offer words of encouragement, reassurance, and validation, emphasizing that their feelings are valid and understandable. Let them know that you are there for them, no matter what.
4. Encourage self-care practices: Educate your child about the importance of self-care and encourage them to prioritize activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. This may include engaging in regular exercise, practicing mindfulness or meditation, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a healthy diet.
5. Encourage professional help: Gently encourage your child to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in anxiety treatment. Offer to assist them in finding a suitable therapist, scheduling appointments, or accompanying them to their sessions if needed. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength and courage, and reassure them that they don’t have to face their anxiety alone.

By providing understanding, practical support, and encouragement, parents can play a crucial role in helping their 20-something adult child navigate and overcome anxiety, fostering their emotional well-being and resilience.

Call to Action

At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best-in-class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills. We have therapists who specialize in different areas and we strive to find the best match for your unique needs. Our services cater to individuals, families, and organizations, including adolescents in high school. We aim to connect you with the specialist who can best address your concerns. Our specialized counseling services aim to address the underlying emotional wounds that contribute to behaviors. We offer evidence-based counseling that is effective in working with many presenting problems. We provide a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on healing the past to create a healthier future. Are you ready to take the first step in your Pursuit towards a happier, healthier you? We invite you to book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled therapists. Don’t wait; it’s time to invest in your well-being. Simply Book Now to start your Pursuit toward personal growth and positive change today. You can find more blogs about anxiety on our Anxiety Therapy page