Generation Y stress
2-minute read
Everyone experiences stress but the causes can vary. Research has shown that generation Y ('gen Y') people (those born in the 1980s and 1990s) report much higher levels of stress and for different reasons than older Australians. Nevertheless, stress at any age is still stress, so the ways to manage it are the same.
What is stress?
Stress is a natural human response to the pressure you feel from challenging or dangerous situations. It is often described as a feeling of being overloaded, wound-up or worried.
Common symptoms and signs of stress include feeling anxious or overwhelmed, disturbed sleep, sweating, appetite loss, muscle tension and difficulty concentrating. If stress lasts for a long time or overwhelms your coping abilities, it can have a negative impact on every aspect of your life, including your work, relationships, and physical and mental health.
Stress and gen Y
Research shows that young Australian adults belonging to generation Y are more stressed than the previous generation (generation X) and the baby boomers (people born during the post-World War II baby boom, between 1946 and 1964). They are also more likely to report mental health concerns than older Australians.
Personal finances, family and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle are likely to be the top 3 reasons that people from gen Y will say they are stressed.
How to manage stress
One of the most important things is to address the source of stress, if possible. Try to deal with those problems that can be dealt with. Talk to others if you can – you may well have family and friends who are willing to help.
Other ways to reduce feelings of stress include:
- deep breathing, meditation and other relaxation techniques
- writing in a 'stress diary' to record when you feel stressed and why
- exercising regularly
- eating a healthy diet
- avoiding smoking, alcohol and caffeine
- doing things you enjoy regularly, such as listening to music, walking in nature, dancing and being with people who care about you
You may also be able to help keep stress levels down by:
- recognising unhelpful sources of stress – including pressures you place on yourself – before they become a bigger problem
- thinking about where you could make changes to improve your situation and change the way you behave
Many people need professional help to make lasting changes to reduce their stress levels. Your doctor may recommend stress management classes or refer you to a psychologist.
More information
- Find out more about stress management, burnout and chronic stress.
- Visit the Australian Psychological Society for further resources and tips for managing everyday stress.
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Last reviewed: February 2018
