The Phases of a Quarter Life Crisis

A quarter-life crisis is believed to be a time when a person between the ages of 25-35 becomes anxious about their quality of life and purpose. This is a time when you may be full of doubts, insecurities, and frustrations about your career, relationships and finances. Balancing all these aspects along with responsibilities and expectations, it is easy to understand why about two thirds of individuals in this age range are experiencing this. It can all be rather overwhelming, therapy can help. 

How Long Does a Quarter-Life Crisis Last? 

If you are wondering how long you could struggle with a quarter-life crisis, psychologist Dr.  Oliver Robinson, an expert on this topic says, “Two years on the average.” For young adults in the peak of their life, this is two precious years of lost or dulled fun, opportunities and adventure. How it will turn out depends on a lot of factors. Seeing a therapist can help you to move forward more quickly.

When you feel trapped, lost or confused, it may be an indicator that you are experiencing a quarter-life crisis. Early intervention can make a world of difference. 

The Phases of a Quarter Life Crisis

According to The Harvard Business Review there are generally four phases to a quarter-life crisis. Below is an abbreviated version of these phases: 

First phase – A time where young adults feel imprisoned in a job or relationship, or both. This can cause a person to want to quit, but they may not have the ability to do it. They may feel helpless at this point.

Second phase – The desire to overcome and change grows stronger at this stage. This phase, however, may also bring about varied emotions, particularly anxiety toward quitting or escaping because this may also be the “wrong” choice. On the other hand, wanting to discover new opportunities can be persistent because of personal interests and a sense of self. During this phase individuals usually leave their job, relationship, city etc. 

Third phase – There are changes in strategies when it comes to building a new life. This is a period of realizations. This can also be the phase when one rebuilds their life. There may be loneliness and confusion during this stage as you figure out what you want and how to get it. 

Fourth phase – This is the phase when new commitments are planned and affirmed. During this phase you will likely begin to move forward toward your purpose and what feels like a good fit for you. 

Moving through these phases can be overwhelming and taxing. Many can experience depression and anxiety as they work through their crisis. Finding a therapist that is a good fit for you can help you with your process. Together you can explore options and solutions, working to move forward. 

Spotting Quarter-Life Crisis

Being in your early 20’s to mid-30’s, you may face many different experiences and challenges, such as graduating from college and landing a new job. Despite these hurdles, this can be a time in your life when you can truly experience living life to the fullest. It is a period when you may begin to attain freedom and you can decide on things for yourself. You begin to earn your own money and live independently. With much of your success and happiness relying on how you succeed, this time can be both thrilling and overwhelming. 

There are many different risk factors that expose young adults to crises. This can be by way of genetics, lifestyle, biology, or they can even be environmental. The signs of a person having a quarter-life crisis may be subtle and may develop slowly. The signs and symptoms may scare and/or confuse you, being akin to symptoms of both depression and anxiety. 

Some signs that may indicate a quarter-life crisis include feeling lost and having difficulty in making choices. You may be confused about your options. You may try to find out what your purpose is and what makes you feel whole and happy. Decision-making can become a troublesome task, as you weigh your choices and options. Maybe you know what you want, but you may lack the drive or courage to pursue it. You may feel alone because you don’t have it all figured out yet. You may also feel like you’re running out of time to figure things out, and this might scare you.

People having a quarter-life crisis may also lack the inspiration and drive to go out live as they would like to. You may battle between deciding to live a simple and quiet life, or a life that is full of thrilling adventure. You may not feel comfortable with the goals that you set for your career, relationships and other vital aspects of life, worrying they are not enough or excessive. You may increasingly dwell in the past, thinking that those days were better, so you end up having a lot of regrets. You may compare yourself to others, so that no matter your achievements, you feel empty. You may also see yourself as a failure.

Overcoming Your Quarter Life Crisis with Counseling

If you are feeling overwhelmed and you find it difficult to reach your goals you may be experiencing a quarter-life crisis. If you are not sure which path to take, you have all the right reasons to seek counseling now. Reach out today by calling CCS – Southern Pines, NC to find resolution. The sooner you seek support, the faster you can get back on track. The right therapist is here to help you overcome your challenges in your early adult life with courage and confidence. You can reach your dreams without fear. Your therapist can help you work through all the struggles that a quarter-life crisis brings. So, don’t wait any longer. Be bold. Call CCS to schedule an appointment today!