Yet another crisis – the Quarterlife Crisis

Most people have heard of the midlife crisis. It is a phase between ages 45 and 55, when people look back over their life up to that point and take stock. Have I achieved what I set out to achieve? Did I make the right relationship and professional choices? Am I happy with my life so far? Physical and hormonal changes can also play an important role and influence the crisis.[1]

In recent years another term has started to appear: The Quarterlife Crisis. This is a phenomenon that many young people experience. It is a state of uncertainty in the phase of life after reaching adulthood, and it can even expand into a psychological crisis. It usually hits between ages 20 and 30. The concept of the quarterlife crisis was first explored by American authors Abby Wilner and Alexandra Robbins.[2] Affected persons are often in transition from education to profession.[3]

Although they are in the “flower of their youth,” at the zenith of their physical health and vitality, and have only to walk through open doors to realize their life plans, many young people are not in good psychological health. They are dejected and tired, experience self-doubt, feel alone and hopeless, and fears about the future fill their heads. For some, this gives rise to depressive episodes or anxiety disorders.

But how does that go together?

Annika Lang, consultant at INSITE Interventions, explains: “The reasons behind these fears and feelings of being overwhelmed are paradoxically the many opportunities and the decisions to be made, some of which will determine the course of the rest of the individual’s life.”

What profession do I choose? How much work and how much leisure time do I want and need? Relationship? If so, what kind? Do I want to start a family? And hovering above it all, the question: What if I make the wrong decision? What if I fail? Am I good enough?

“Somewhat provocatively, you might say that the quarterlife crisis is a more or less conscious attempt to prevent a midlife crisis,” says Annika Lang.

Changes and threshold situations are not simple for most people to deal with. We leave a safe and familiar situation (like university) and enter something new and thus uncertain (like the first job).

Many expectations are placed on young adults. “They find themselves in a performance-oriented, fast-paced, but also hedonistic and self-focused world. Many currents are contrary to each other. It’s quite normal for that to cause uncertainty,” says Lang.

Furthermore, during this phase of life many social constants are changing. People move away, friendships from school or university fade, young loves end, parents separate, people die. These changes, partings and reorientations have their effects.[4]

It’s helpful to take an impartial approach to the word crisis. The Greek word κρίσις means “decision.”

Having to make a decision can be perceived as painful. “A decision for something always also means a decision against something. But crises are part of life. The feelings are a signal that we are in a process of change,” says Annika Lang.

To make it through this phase, it helps to pause and (again) consider what is helpful in challenging situations. That can be something very different from what a friend, sister or team member might consider helpful. Knowing one’s own strengths and reminding oneself of them, perhaps through visualization, helps build resilience. Things often make sense in retrospect and changes can be understood as opportunities.[5]

The realization that “I can make my own life – I’m in a situation where I have a choice,” can lead to a positive experience.

If previous coping strategies are insufficient, psychosocial consulting, such as the kind INSITE offers its clients, can be helpful. Talking to an expert can help in finding new perspectives and working on a solution.