Quarter-Life Crisis is a Real Thing: 3 Tips to Overcoming It

We've all heard of a midlife crisis. Typically occurring between 45 and 65, a midlife crisis is a struggle to find one's identity and self-confidence during this particular life stage.

But did you know there is also such a thing as a quarter-life crisis? Similar to a midlife crisis, a quarter-life crisis entails an upset in one's sense of identity. This typically occurs in someone's mid-twenties to early thirties. However, in a quarter-life crisis, this sense of lost identity is from figuring out who they are and what they want out of life.

Why Do Quarter-Life Crises Happen?

While the specific reasons and triggers might vary depending on the person, usually, quarter-life crises happen because someone feels disillusioned about young adulthood. After spending some time in the "real world" on their own, it's not uncommon for people to feel lost in their career trajectory and personal life.

This transitional period is marked by changes that feel more like an upheaval than something exciting. As a result, people can feel overwhelmed, unsure, and frustrated. Because they thought they had a grasp on who they wanted to be or what they wanted to do in life, the realization that things end up different from what they envisioned can be devastating.

People often report a sense of "running out of time" during a quarter-life crisis. If they see peers succeeding in other ways, they may wonder why that's not happening for them or what must be wrong with them for that not to be happening.

While quarter-life crises are tough to deal with, the good news is that it doesn't last forever, and you can get through it.

Tips for Overcoming a Quarter-Life Crisis

1. Reflect and practice patience.

It's important to remember that everyone's journey is different. What seems to be working well for someone else may not be right for you. And just because a peer seems to be having more success or moving faster in their career doesn't mean you are failing.

This is a time to ask yourself:

●      What do I want?

●      Who am I, and who do I want to be?

●      How do I get to where I want to be?

These aren't meant to be questions with easy answers, but they are important ones. Taking time to reflect and even jot down your reflections goes a long way in helping you figure things out. As you reflect, remind yourself that this is not a race—you don't need to have it all figured out today.

2. Try something new.

During a quarter-life crisis, you may lose your sense of self. You may no longer feel connected to the person you used to be or the things you used to do. That's okay. That's normal.

Allow yourself to close that chapter and start a new one. Try new things, whether it's entering the dating pool, developing a hobby, or trying new career moves. There is no formula or rulebook for building this new version of you, so try not to ruminate on past expectations. Experiment with new things and see what works. It's different for everyone!

3. Seek support.

You're not the first person, and certainly not the last, to go through a quarter-life crisis, which means you're not alone. It's important to figure out what's best for you—not your friends, parents, or coworkers.

Lean on your support system during this time. Confide in friends and family. They are there to love and support you. Beyond that, consider seeing a mental health professional. They are great at helping you learn healthy coping mechanisms and provide a safe space to talk about your fears.

If you're experiencing a quarter-life crisis, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a plan for healing and self-discovery.

Click here for more information on Life Transitions Counseling.