We hear it all the time: Just relax. But the type of stress Americans are dealing with today isn’t the type that can be just wished away. For one thing, a lot of us are worried about money. One survey found that 44 percent of Americans reported that finances are the biggest source of stress. But it’s not the only thing we’re worrying about.
When the stress is coming from all sides, your best bet is to look into therapy. Here are three reasons why American life in 2019 all but requires counseling.
The economy
Sure, there are reports that the economy is strong in America, and has been for a while. Employers are adding jobs and the stock market is on an upward trend. But when the news has been good for so long, it’s fair to wonder if this economy is giving us a false sense of security.
You may have a job. You may even have several jobs thanks to the gig economy. There are all kinds of people driving for Lyft or delivering food for DoorDash, but that doesn’t mean those jobs are anything close to ideal. It’s harder and harder for the middle class to function in the gig economy.
We get more than a sense of stability from a job. We also get a sense of identity. Someone who works 40 hours a week at an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. job is going to have a better sense of who they are professionally than a person who dabbles in a bunch of different gigs. That identity crisis is a good reason to seek out therapy.
The cost of living
If you want to live in a big city, you need to be prepared to pay a lot in rent. The price of renting a studio apartment can be more than half of your income in cities like New York and San Francisco. There’s a cliche about New York that says, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” That cliche might have been a reference to the outrageous rent prices. In many parts of the Big Apple, you can expect to pay an average of almost $3,000 for a one-bedroom place.
Struggling to survive takes a lot out of you. If you feel emotionally unwell, you need to reexamine your budget and set aside a few dollars for therapy. Yes, it’s another expense, but the cost of therapy in NYC is usually much more reasonable than you may think.
Our relationships
If you’re trying to date in 2019, chances are you’re on some sort of dating app. Such resources are supposed to make dating easier, but it can often make it more confusing and frustrating. Getting on Tinder or OKCupid can feel like getting on Facebook: If you aren’t getting enough “likes,” you think something must be wrong with you.
But the truth is, online dating has a lot of flaws. It’s not a perfect system by any means, and if you’re not having any luck, the problem might not be with you. Of course, you also might be sending out certain signals without meaning to do so. A reputable therapist will change your perspective and help you see things about yourself that you would never notice otherwise.
Modern life is filled with its fair share of stressors, but therapists are available to help you navigate through it. With the help of a professional, you’ll have a better grasp on your goals, your commitments, and your quality of life.