Helping Our Youth Navigate Uncertain Times
Even for those with multiple degrees and well-established careers, these are unsettling times. Tariffs, AI, economic shifts, geopolitical tensions—the landscape is constantly changing. If seasoned professionals are feeling unmoored, imagine the challenge for young people trying to chart their path forward.
Even my 25-year-old daughter with an engineering degree from Princeton is experiencing anxiety about her future. "Will all knowledge-based jobs be obsolete in 10 years?" she wonders. Should everyone pivot to trades like plumbing or electrical work? While these are valuable and necessary professions, they're not the answer for everyone. The reality is that even those who don't typically struggle with anxiety are finding themselves anxious these days.
At the Crossroads
I'm increasingly curious about how our educational system will adapt to better prepare youth for this uncertain future. The traditional pathways that once guaranteed stability seem less reliable, yet our schools largely operate on models developed for a different era.
As mental health professionals, we need to provide our clients with practical guidance for navigating a world where the rules of career success are being rewritten in real time.
Is it any wonder that so many young people are turning to substances like THC to cope? As I've written about extensively, this "solution" is not only ineffective but potentially dangerous to developing brains already under stress. Read my blog: Marijuana - What Parents Should Know
Finding Direction Through Values: Identify your North Star
My advice to my own children and to the young adults with whom I work is consistent: in times of uncertainty, anchor yourself to what you value and find meaningful.
One aspect of wilderness therapy that I deeply appreciate is how participants work with experienced clinicians to identify their core values. (Young Adult Transition programs do this good work, too.) This process creates an internal compass that remains reliable even when external circumstances change.
I encourage you to take time to reflect on what truly matters to you:
What activities make you feel most alive?
What contributions would you like to make?
What relationships nourish your spirit?
When your actions align with your values, you'll likely find yourself in a better psychological place, regardless of external uncertainties.
"Who you are, what your values are, what you stand for they are your anchor, your north star.
You won't find them in a book. You'll find them in your soul." ~ Anne M. Mulcahy
Managing Our Own Anxiety as Parents
For parents reading this, perhaps the most important thing we can do is manage our own anxiety. Our children are remarkably perceptive; they sense our fears even when unspoken. Prioritizing our self-care isn't selfish—it's essential to avoid transferring our anxieties to the next generation.
This might mean limiting news consumption, connecting with supportive friends, engaging in meaningful activities, or seeking professional support when needed. When we model healthy responses to uncertainty, we provide our children with valuable tools they'll carry forward.
The future may be uncertain, but our ability to adapt, connect with what matters, and support one another remains constant. Perhaps that's the most valuable lesson we can pass along.
