Gen-X and High Anxiety

Oh, Gen X. The so-called “slacker” generation. Remember when life was all about AOL, flannel shirts, grunge music and the existential angst set to the tunes of Nirvana? Back then, your biggest concern was whether your crush would be impressed by your mix tape or if you had enough quarters for the arcade. Now, a few decades later and you’re juggling a job, your own children, aging parents, and a retirement fund that certainly wouldn’t impress your crush.

Gen-X, people born between 1965 and 1979, have been the most stressed-out generation for more than a decade. In 2012, Penn State researchers found that this generation reported significantly higher stress levels than other generations. On a 10-point scale, they averaged a stress level of 5.8. For context, Millennials scored 3.4 and Baby Boomers hit a 4.4.

Even the American Psychological Association (APA) backed up this claim in their “Stress in America Survey.” Fast forward to 2021 and the trend continues: 22% of Gen Xers reported struggling with daily stress compared to 17% of Millennials and a mere 8% of Boomers.

Why do many Gen Xers experience high anxiety?

Why are the Gen-Xers carrying the weight of the world? For the same reason Ferris kept dodging Principal Rooney. There is always an obstacle or challenge in the way of the goal. Let’s break down some of the reasons for high anxiety in this generation.

The “Sandwich Generation”

Gen X is famously known as the “sandwich generation.” The Sandwich Generation refers to the fact that Gen Xers are being squeezed between raising their own children and caring for their aging parents. Imagine trying to help your teenager decode calculus while simultaneously figuring out Medicare Part D for your mom. The stress is real and crippling.

Financial Struggles

Money might not buy happiness, but the lack of it can certainly cause stress and high anxiety. Gen X has weathered many a bump on their financial road. The dot-com burst, the Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic left many members of this generation group behind on retirement savings.

The average Gen X household has about $150,000 saved for retirement. This is the average, leaving many with much less. Financial experts say you need $1.5 million. Worse, 40% of Gen Xers haven’t saved a dime.

Technological Whiplash

Gen X grew up with analog-laden childhoods and have had to adapt to the digital age during their adulthood. One minute, they’re rewinding cassette tapes with a pencil, and the next, they’re trying to figure out TikTok.

This sudden advancement in technology has contributed to the financial struggle mentioned above, as many Gen X careers are technology-dependent. Keeping pace with changing technological changes isn’t just exhausting, it can feel like a full-time job. Unfortunately, “turning it off and on again” doesn’t solve all the technical problems in today’s world like it did during the 1980s and 1990s.

Aging and Health Concerns

Gen X is now at that age where back pain and high blood pressure start to take their toll. Pretty jarring to think that the generation that loved the Golden Girls is now in the same age bracket as the characters in the show. Generally speaking, Gen Xers don’t prioritize their health because they were never taught the importance of self-care.

What many people today think of as basic self-care necessities were considered luxuries a few decades ago. Add juggling kids, parents, and work to the mix, and self-care seems to slip even further out of reach for people in this age bracket. A Mather Study found that 41% of Gen Xers don’t get as much self-care as they need.

Deluge of Information

We are living in the era of instant and constant information overload. Back in the “good old days,” it was easier to compartmentalize and control the information that you received. Most people would read the newspaper or watch the evening news, or maybe listen to the radio on the way to school or work. They got the information how and when they wanted.

However, today, the simple act of making a phone call means you can be bombarded with headlines as you scroll across your device. From doom-scrolling social media to managing a constant stream of work-related emails, it’s no wonder that Gen X feels frazzled. The pressure to stay “in the know” is exhausting, especially today when there are more voices joining the conversation.

Tendency for Self-Reliance

Gen Xers were the original DIY generation (and without the help of Pinterest, I might add). Many in this generation came home to an empty house as more and more women entered the workforce. They figured out how to make dinner and do homework without parental guidance. No one was holding their hand, and they had to learn to “figure it out” on their own.

This self-reliance mindset stuck with them. This “do it yourself” attitude often extends to their emotional and mental health as well. It’s no surprise that this generation tends to shoulder a lot, preferring to solve problems independently rather than ask for help. This is what prevents some people in this generation to shy away from therapy or asking for any help in their mental and emotional journey.

Resilience

However, Gen X is resilient. They grew up being told to “figure it out” and “walk it off” and guess what? That’s exactly what they did. They’ve adapted to every curveball life has thrown their way. However, resilience doesn’t equal invincibility. It’s okay to admit you’re tired. It’s okay to ask for help, despite what you’ve been told most of your life.

A Christian Perspective

Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Rest isn’t a luxury. Rest is a gift and a necessity. It’s okay to put down the to-do list (which is probably stored in your Trapper Keeper) and lean into God’s grace. Here’s how:

Rest Even God Himself rested on the seventh day. If the Creator of the universe took a break, so can you. In fact, God instructs us to take a sabbath. Take a nap. The laundry can wait.

Set boundaries You can’t possibly do it all and you shouldn’t try. Learn to say no to things that don’t fulfill your priorities. Focus on what truly matters in this season of life.

Lean on community You don’t have to go it alone. Whether it’s your church, your family and friends, or group and individual therapy, find people and lean on them. God created us for community, so use it!

Practice gratitude When life starts to feel overwhelming, take a moment to thank God for the blessings you do have. Gratitude shifts your perspective and reminds you of His faithfulness rather than your problems.

Pray often Prayers isn’t just a wish list. Prayers is a conversation with God. Bring Him your worries, your fears, and your exhaustion. He’s listening.

Next Steps: Christian Counseling for High Anxiety

Gen X, you’ve been working hard, but just like Ferris Bueller said, “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” So, take pause. You’ve got this! You may be a product of your environment, but you’re also a product of God’s grace and mercy. His help is a lot easier to access than dial-up internet. (Can you still hear the screeching noise?)

If you feel overwhelmed by high anxiety, it is time for help. Call our office today and we can make an appointment for you with one of the skilled therapists on our team. You do not have to go it alone. A counselor will help you manage your high anxiety with coping mechanisms that work.