Building Hope Counseling Services

Dear Gen Z,

I have been in awe of you for some time. I thought it was about time I sat down and wrote you a formal letter expressing my love. Maybe it’s weird to a write a love letter to an entire generation, but I hope you’ll understand what I mean by the end.

Your generation is facing issues that many before you had the privilege of ignoring – reproductive rights, climate change, gun violence, school violence, political and racial tension… I could go on and on. During your coming of age, our country has started to reckon with itself over how we collectively envision our future. While some suggest that you sit down and listen, you’re too young to know anything, you’ll understand when you’re older, I am inspired by your generation’s determination to make your voices heard.

Your passion, your vision, your unmitigated sass, your desecration of the English language. It’s a breath of fresh air. I love working with young adults because there is so much life out in front of you and I want to help you to navigate it with the traits and qualities that you already hold, that are intrinsic to so many in your generation.

As you graduate high school and college, as you enter the so-called “Real World”, I’m seeing so much happen to you that happened to Millennials – namely, older generations calling you weak for not wanting to play by the same rule book. As I was graduating college, news channels (read: Fox News) were frequently focused on Millennials’ “wussification” of America (I’m not kidding, this was actually said over and over, live on air, while millions of people nodded in agreement). And in the same way, you are being called soft as you struggle to navigate the problems that older generations have created for you or didn’t care to solve before it became your turn.

But where some see softness, I see strength. Strength in your early 20s/ late teenage chaotic way. Strength in being open about your mental health and life’s struggles. Strength in your refusal to follow the status quo and your desire to make your life your own.

Don’t let the world put out your fire. You’re going to need it. As Greta Thunberg said, you are never too small to make a difference. Get out there, and show them what you’ve got.

You, my dear, are pure magic.

All my love,

Your Friendly Millennial Social Worker

Resources:

The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

For longer-term mental health care, you can find therapists in your area on psychologytoday.com.

If you are in Massachusetts and seeking therapeutic services, please fill out the contact form on buildinghopema.com or reach out to me directly at mikaela@buildinghopema.com.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you don’t have to face challenges alone.