The problems young people fear

1. Cut off, detached, lonely or loss of freedom

Through no fault of their own, many young people have lost certain support or social circles within the workplace that normally helped through periods of challenge, anxiety or stress. More than ever before there is a need for honest human interaction that involves humour, inspiration, eye contact, warmth, compassion or humility.

2.  Mental health concerns, lack of confidence or anxiety

Many young people find themselves increasingly mentally numbed out. Often this makes it difficult to concentrate or find relief or fulfilment in everyday activities. The demands working in frontline services are even greater. Many feel frustrated not knowing where exactly to find support from over stretched health services. Support may be difficult to find within work especially concerning sensitive issues. The problem feels worse the longer it is left unattended.

3. Insecurity, uncertainty or loss

Many young people feel their security is increasingly expendable or vulnerable. Certain job roles remain highly fragile only to completely disappear overnight, never to be replaced. Financial pressure may add to levels of anxiety.

4.  A tendency to fall into negative thought loops

A balanced mind set is sometimes very difficult for young people to foster. When faced with challenge it can be difficult to keep in check the automatic thought habits that focus on fear, phobias, catastrophizing, unworthiness, and victimisation, mistakes in the past or escapism. This can make it harder to initiate new ventures because these thoughts create an uncomfortable anxiety. Many young people fall back into old negative habits even though they know these thoughts are not serving them.

5.  Frustrated that efforts are not recognised

A humble and diligent approach to study or work is not always fully recognised by leaders. For those workers who resist broadcasting to the world what they have achieved in order to gain recognition, their efforts may feel forgotten.

6. Technological drain working within an “always connected culture”

The technological invasion on young people’s lives makes it increasingly difficult to switch off continuingly focusing on the specifics working in a highly competency led society. Modern times demand an ‘always-on’ culture but this doesn’t make it right! The virtual world of communication via e-mail, texting or blogging is actually beginning to numb many young people’s understanding and connection with what it means to be a social human being. Fixation with social media posts adds to insomnia and dopamine addiction. When young people do climb down from this temporary high, they feel even more helpless and manipulated.

7.  Unfulfilled, lack of purpose and undervalued.

More young people are growing increasingly aware of the need to focus on the process of fulfilment and growth rather than a results driven work culture.

Being present or having “down time” to escape, manage time or gain perspective from this drive is harder to access. from the situation refuel and refocus seems unclear. Wellbeing includes ones ability to appreciate the subtle everyday unfoldment of life. Simple gratitude for what’s directly in front of you and being present also matters. Many young people desire greater autonomy, waking each morning with a “buzz” living a life congruent with their values and aspirations.

8.  Controlling the ego

Spending more time working in isolation can allow the ego to overwhelm young people’s thoughts. The ego continuingly seeks being elsewhere (the grass is always greener on the other side) or fall into self-pity or victimisation.