What Is A Quarter Life Crisis?
You’ve probably heard it before, someone is going through a “quarter-life” crisis. For some, it it can be a running joke if someone in your life does something outside their normal routine. For others, it can signify a monumental life change.
Throughout this article, we will discuss a quarter-life crisis, its associated changes and emotions, and how to cope.
A quarter-life crisis is a period of stress, uncertainty, and soul-searching that young people can experience as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
Symptoms of a quarter-life crisis
A quarter-life crisis is a period of stress, uncertainty, and soul-searching that young people can experience as they begin a new chapter in their lives.
There can be a wide range of emotions and feelings that come with a quarter-life crisis. It’s important to be able to recognize those in yourself or in those closest to you to be able to get through this time. Emotional symptoms can include feeling overall boredom with your current relationships, career, friendships, or home life. It’s also possible to feel depressed or declining happiness in things you once enjoyed.
As people age, it’s also common to be more unhappy with one's appearance and feel as though one has lost something or feels lost during life events. If things are changing, it can feel frustrating to take on new life events or responsibilities.
Although a quarter-life crisis can feel scary and like whatever you’re feeling and experiencing is your “new-normal,” it’s important to remember that you can and will get through this time. Below, we will discuss how you can cope when going through a quarter-life crisis, and we will also cover how to help a friend or loved one going through one.
Mental and Physical Changes Associated with a Quarter-Life Crisis
It is common to associate mental and physical challenges with a quarter-life crisis. These can include:
Memory loss
Decline in health or increased pain levels
Loss of income or feeling less financially secure
Changes in relationships with friends, partners, children or relatives
Significant weight loss or weight gain
Coping with a quarter-life crisis
Before we dive in, one thing to note is that a quarter-life crisis does not define you, and you can (and will) get through this. Here are some tips and strategies to get through this time in your life:
Acknowledge your feelings
It’s okay to admit that you’re not feeling like yourself. By acknowledging how you’re feeling, you can work towards feeling normal or living the best version of your new normal. It can be beneficial to talk about how you’re feeling with friends, family, a partner, or someone closest to you. Chances are, someone else is going through something similar or has gone through something similar and can be someone to lean on through this period.
Celebrate life milestones
Being able to celebrate life milestones instead of dreading or refusing to accept them is a big step in getting through a quarter-life crisis. This can be as simple as celebrating a work accomplishment or a birthday instead of dreading getting another year older. Try to find healthy ways to celebrate this new phase of life that you’re in.
Focus on self-care
No matter what age or stage of life you’re in, it’s important to take care of your mind and body. This includes taking time for yourself to do things you enjoy such as yoga, exercise, reading, or other relaxing activities. It’s just as important to make sure you’re eating a well-balanced diet that works for you, and that you’re getting adequate amounts of sleep each night. When you do these things, you’re able to set yourself up for success and feel better in more ways than one.
Whether you or someone you know is experiencing a quarter-life crisis, it’s important to know that you can and will get through it. Talking to a healthcare professional about how you’re feeling can help. Please reach out today to learn more about therapy for young adults.