What is an Emerging Adult?
Emerging Adult? Is that a made-up word?
Well, all words are made-up. But, the Emerging Adult stage of life is very real. Think about this:
It seems like you’re in school focusing on your education one day, then you’re an “adult” the next - complete with bills, a job, complex relationships, and a whole slew of stress and responsibilities that you didn’t ask for.
Suddenly, you’re expected to juggle all of this while “acting like an adult.” Oh, and don’t forget, you’re now “supposed to” know what to do in every situation. This transition is not easy.
It takes time (usually 5-10 years) before most people feel comfortable with these responsibilities and with their identity as an adult. The transition period is what psychologists and therapists now recognize as Emerging Adulthood
“I have lost and loved and won and cried myself to the person I am today”
— Charlotte Eriksson, Empty Roads and Broken Bottles: in search for The Great Perhaps
Common Problems
Every person is unique and so is our experience of Emerging Adulthood. What we have in common is that life asks many new things of us during this critical stage:
Increased Responsibilities: Major bills, job hunting or work demands, social pressures, parenthood, and many other new responsibilities can cause Emerging Adults to experience lots of pressure and stress.
Big Change: Career change, location change, loss or distancing of long-time friendships, and other significant changes can cause a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty.
Major Commitments: Home-buying, marriage, and career selection are just a few among many long-term, life-impacting commitments that a large portion of people make while in Emerging Adulthood.
Relationship Problems: With most people in your life facing more responsibility, lots of change, and big commitments, conflict is bound to arise. We can unintentionally hurt the most important people in our life and they can hurt us.
As these challenges pile up, they can often become overwhelming. As a result, Depression and Anxiety are common problems for emerging adults.
Those with a history of trauma often find that their usual coping methods no longer work or are no longer acceptable.
Yet, most people don’t know where to seek help or don’t feel comfortable doing so.
Luckily, help is available, effective, and confidential.
Real Solutions
New Growth Counseling can help you find peace and emerge empowered from the challenges of Emerging Adulthood.
I specialize in providing safe, non-judgmental, and confidential support to Emerging Adults so that they can flourish and live their most authentic lives.
I primarily use mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and guided imagery. Other therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing are also incorporated, based on each client’s specific needs.
You can learn to effectively take on and grow from the unique challenges of Emerging Adulthood. Get started today.
Get a Free Consultation. Let’s see if we’re right for each other.
No Pressure, No Obligation, No Commitment. Just an honest conversation.