Most people have heard of a mid-life crisis, and they relate it to doing uncharacteristic things like buying motorcycles and filing for divorce. While mid-life crisis has gained a certain notoriety due to its use as a plot in movies and television shows, quarter-life crisis is the lesser-known life transition that impacts a surprising number people in their 20s or 30s. For many, quarter-life crisis hits during the first back-to-school season after they complete their education. It’s a wakeup call that they are entering a completely different life stage, and it can leave many young adults in crisis. In this blog, we’ll talk about what quarter-life crisis is, why people experience it, and how therapy helps to address this condition.
What Is Quarter-Life Crisis?
The quarter-life crisis, also called quarter-life transition, doesn’t necessarily need to feel like a crisis. For many, there is a high level of change that occurs during the mid-twenties and early thirties. Beginning a career, starting a family, becoming financially independent, and sustaining friendships are all challenges that impact young adults during the quarter-life transition. All of this change can leave people feeling overwhelmed, extra stressed, lost, or like they’re in crisis.
Why Am I Going Through This?
All of the many inherent changes inherent at this time make people feel greater levels of stress than they’ve ever experienced. For some, this leads to feelings of depression and anxiety. Some people find themselves struggling to manage their moods, strike out in anger, or find themselves using unhealthy coping strategies to get by on a daily basis. It’s hard to remember that there is more stability and satisfaction on the other side of this transitional period, especially when you’re still in the middle of all the turmoil. The first back-to-school season after you leave college can be one of the most difficult times for young adults navigating quarter-life transition. Whatever the underlying trigger for quarter-life transition, the good news is – you don’t have to struggle through it alone.
Does Therapy Help?
Working with a therapist during challenging life transitions, including quarter-life crisis, can be extremely beneficial. A therapist can help you understand the myriad ways that the current transition is impacting your thoughts, feelings, and actions. They will work with you to set and achieve personal and career goals, process difficult thoughts and feelings, and work through life’s challenges with a greater level of ease and stability. A therapist will work with you to learn coping strategies that deliver a greater sense of resilience in difficult times. During therapy sessions, you can also learn skills to develop and sustain healthy, meaningful relationships.
How Do I Get Started?
If you’re interested in learning more about quarter-life crisis or pursuing therapy for any other reason, the skilled therapists at The Center for CBT in New York City are here for you. We know many of our clients struggle to even get started with therapy, so we’ve made the process as simple as possible. You can get started by calling (917) 596-8955 or completing our online scheduling request form. Once we hear from you, a member of our team will be happy to answer questions and finalize the details of your upcoming visit to make the process seamless and stress-free.
