Therapy for millennial women: What’s my purpose? How do I find meaning?
by Dr. Lisandra Mendoza
Millennial women face unique challenges in their quest for purpose and fulfillment. If you’re a millennial, you have probably heard at some point that you’re entitled, lazy, accused of job-hopping, and set too many boundaries. Many millennials are criticized in the workplace for asking too many questions, for wanting to know why things are done instead of just blindly following the rules, and many are criticized for “expecting a trophy for everything.”
Millennial women, in particular, face backlash and unrealistic expectations to excel in multiple roles — to be a professional with a career, a great mother and partner, a dutiful daughter, etc. This juggling act can lead to a loss of self-identity and purpose as millennial women strive to meet the ever-increasing demands placed upon them.
Societal expectations vs. internal desires
From a young age, women are conditioned to meet various societal expectations. This concept is not new. These pressures can create a significant burden on mental health and well-being.
Many millennial women will remember the “#GirlBoss” era of 2014, coined by Sophia Amoruso, who wrote a New York Times-bestselling book of the same name. During this time, women were encouraged to hustle and grind, often at the detriment of their health. Over time, the notion of being a “girlboss” went from being aspirational to unhealthy.
Millennial women started questioning the system they had bought into — one where you go to a good college, get a degree to get a good job, make money, find a partner, buy a house, and so on. The truth is, no matter how hard women work, we operate within systems that were not designed to support us.
Unique challenges millennial women face
Economic realities: Millennials often entered the workforce during or after the 2008 financial crisis, facing a job market characterized by instability and limited opportunities. Millennials may struggle with higher levels of student debt and are facing skyrocketing housing costs compared to previous generations, impacting their financial security and ability to achieve traditional markers of adulthood, such as homeownership and reaching savings goals.
Technological shifts: Millennials were the first generation to come of age in the era of widespread internet and social media usage. While technology has provided numerous opportunities for connection and self-expression, it has also created new challenges, such as navigating online harassment and bullying, managing digital identities, and coping with the pressure to curate a “perfect” life on social media.
Changing social norms: Millennial women have witnessed significant shifts in social norms and expectations around gender roles, marriage, and family life. They may grapple with conflicting messages about balancing career aspirations with traditional expectations of motherhood and domesticity. Additionally, the rise of hookup culture and changing attitudes toward relationships and marriage have shaped their experiences of dating and intimacy.
Mental health struggles: Millennials report higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to previous generations. Factors such as economic uncertainty, social isolation, and the pressure to succeed in a competitive job market contribute to their mental health challenges. Moreover, stigma around mental illness may prevent them from seeking help or accessing adequate support.
Environmental concerns: Millennials are increasingly concerned about environmental issues and climate change, which may influence their lifestyle choices, career decisions, and attitudes toward the future. They may experience eco-anxiety or feelings of helplessness in the face of global challenges, impacting their sense of agency and well-being.
Work-life integration: Unlike previous generations, millennials prioritize work-life balance and seek meaning and fulfillment in their careers. They may challenge traditional notions of success and prioritize flexible work arrangements, purpose-driven employment, and opportunities for personal growth and development.
Strategies for finding purpose
To navigate these challenges, it’s crucial for women to undertake a mindful assessment of their lives and priorities.
Here are some practical tips:
Reflect on your personal values: Take the time to identify and reflect on your core values, beliefs, and passions. Consider what truly matters to you. What makes your life feel meaningful? What makes you feel fulfilled? Are there areas of your life where your values and actions are not aligned?
Identify your hierarchy of priorities: Determine what truly matters to you. Limit your core values to 3-5 key areas, ensuring they are personally meaningful and not imposed by external expectations. Are you making decisions for others or yourself?
Evaluate your resources: Regularly assess how you spend your time, energy, and money. Align these resources with your identified priorities to maintain focus and purpose. Are there areas where your use of resources does not align with your values, priorities, or goals?
Seek professional support: Consider seeking guidance from a therapist, coach, or mentor who can provide support and accountability as you explore your purpose and navigate life’s challenges.
Assess the 8 domains of wellness: In addition to the above strategies, consider focusing on the following domains of wellness to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life:
Emotional wellness
Environmental wellness
Financial wellness
Intellectual wellness
Occupational or vocational wellness
Physical wellness
Social wellness
Spiritual wellness
Emotional wellness
Pursue activities that promote mental health, such as mindfulness, therapy, or hobbies that bring joy.
Environmental wellness
Be aware of your impact on the environment and of your environment’s impact on you. Interact regularly with nature and maintain a space that nurtures your mental health.
Physical wellness
Maintain a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced and healthful nutrition, and adequate rest.
Financial wellness
Manage your finances to support your life goals and reduce stress.
Intellectual wellness
Engage with intellectually stimulating material to nurture a lifelong love of learning.
Occupational or vocational wellness
Seek career satisfaction and growth opportunities that align with your values.
Social wellness
Cultivate meaningful relationships and support networks.
Spiritual wellness
Spiritual does not necessarily mean religious; it refers to engaging in activities that align with your values and contribute to your sense of meaning and purpose.
Online therapy for millennial women in Florida
If you’re struggling to find your path, consider seeking guidance from a psychologist or therapist to help navigate these complexities and support your pursuit of a meaningful life.
Millennial women can now access online therapy in Florida. This allows them to have therapy sessions from the comfort of their homes, reducing the stress of commuting. The goal is to make mental health services more accessible and convenient, helping women prioritize their mental health.
We know you’re already juggling so much — demanding careers, family responsibilities, social obligations, home life, and the inner workings of your internal world — so we want to make starting therapy as easy for you as possible.
At Avatar Cognitive and Behavioral Center, we offer online Therapy for Women across Florida, so you can access our services no matter where you live in the Sunshine State
At Avatar Cognitive and Behavioral Center, we support millennial women searching for answers about who they are, who they want to be, and how they want to show up in the world. When you work with us, you’ll be met with compassion, expertise, and authenticity
