Over half of millennials claim they’re suffering a ‘quarter-life crisis’
'Anxious' and 'frustrated' were the words most used to describe their emotions
SIX in 10 millennials claim to be suffering from a 'quarter life crisis', according to a study.
Researchers who polled 2,000 Brits aged 25-35 found more than half were struggling to make ends meet, and trying to find a job has stressed out another 23 per cent.
Their current living situation has led to feelings of despair for one third, while 28 per cent are struggling with a job they find challenging.
Other facts contributing to the quarter-life crisis include trying to find employment, attempting to get on the property ladder and bad luck in the relationship stakes.
It also emerged the average millennial claims to have been feeling at rock bottom for more than six months as they struggle to 'sort their life out'.
Despite the gloomy outlook half believe things will get better soon.
The study was carried out by First Direct who teamed up with psychologist Dr Oliver Robinson to look at how many people can use a crisis as a spark for change.
Dr Robinson, who focuses on how identity, well-being and mental health are affected by major life transitions, crises and ageing processes during adulthood, said: "There's two sides to a quarter life crisis.
"They're often feared as periods of difficulty and distress, but in my experience they can also be times of openness, curiosity and growth.
"People may find old habits and coping mechanisms no longer help the way they used to, and this can act as a spur to explore new ideas, new activities and new ways of overcoming life's challenges."
The study also found that 18 per cent of adults aren't coping well with the fact their relationship with their parents is difficult, and similarly 25 per cent say their personal life is hard work.
Interestingly, when asked to describe how they've been feeling over the past six months, 'anxious', 'frustrated', 'confused' and 'sad' were among the most common terms put forward.
Just 36 per cent said they felt happy lately, and only 27 per cent said 'optimistic'.
Perhaps due to feelings of pessimism and worry, 36 per cent of those polled said they are more curious than usual to try new things that could improve their quality of life.
But during a period of crisis, only 37 per cent of adults said they know who to turn to, or where to go for advice.
Top causes of a 'quarter life crisis'
1. Financial difficulties
2. Living situation
3. Working in a challenging job
4. Lack of romantic relationship
5. Being in a time-consuming romantic relationship
6. Trying to find a job
7. Relationship with parents
8. Trying to get on the property ladder
9. Reading the news
10. Social media
Those who do seek help reach out to family members or good friends (40 per cent respectively).
One in four will speak to friends online, while 16 per cent will take to the internet to communicate with family.
One on in 10 have considered using a therapist when things are bad, and just two per cent have a mentor to get them through trickier times.
But one fifth never managed to get good and helpful advice.
Zoe Burns-Shore, head of culture at First Direct, which commissioned the research via OnePoll.com, said: "We know people today go through major life changes in a way that's so different to previous generations.
"By teaming up with Dr Robinson we want to highlight how people have actually found the quarter life crisis to be a catalyst for positive change.
"And by sharing the theory and experiences we hope we can help people re-frame the way they think about difficult times."
First Direct and Dr Oliver Robinson who is a quarter-life crisis expert and senior lecturer for psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, have launched a guide: "
The guide outlines the two types on quarter life crisis - the 'Locked in' type and the 'Locked out' type - and details the stages people go through within each one.
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