Young people in society
Provided by the Professional Order of Social Workers of Québec (Ordre professionnel des travailleurs sociaux du Québec), these articles are intended to help you deal with everyday life. They could also help you help a friend!
Come back to read it!
What lies ahead
by Claire Leduc, Social Worker, Family and Marriage Counsellor
Benjamin just received a letter saying he is no longer enrolled in his regional cegep because of poor grades. “What?” he exclaims, surprised. “I was one of the best students in high school without having to really work!”
Like Benjamin, you may feel as though the rules have changed. You are entering adult life. Did you know that the period between age 18 and 24 is probably one of the hardest of all life stages? You often hear about the throes of adolescence and the mid-life crisis that comes at age 40. But the twenties are even more critical. So many things to adapt to all at once! You face many new situations, and with much less or no support from your parents, such as having to finish your studies, making career decisions or experiencing your first live-in relationship.
Developing life skills is what this life stage is all about. You are aware of your abilities and tastes, now it’s time to work on your long-term judgement. You are able to project what your life will be like in the future. You are getting to know yourself and others in a more mature way. You are torn between dependence and independence. This can sometimes also affect your parents, who may feel helpless as you cross into adult life asking for help.
Here are a few tips to help you deal with the situation.
- Take time out to make a game plan.
- Is this adult identity crisis taking place smoothly or is it full of major conflicts? Are you depressed or anxious? Sometimes, a little help getting through this period can be useful. You can turn to a social worker at your CLSC or in independent practice. If you find that adapting to life with a partner is difficult, a family or marriage counsellor can help. Some people attend therapy sessions with their parents to get out of dead end situations. You can also find information on the www.optsq.org and apcfq.org Websites. If you already have small children, check out www.PetitMonde.com (in French only) for tips and advice.
Why not try answering the following questions in writing: What do I want for myself in life? What are my goals? In what kind of environment do I want to live? Do I want to live alone, with roommates or in a relationship? Do I want to have children and start a family? What kind of work or profession do I want to do? Do I want to finish school? Do I take care of my health? Do I take time out for physical activity and eat well? What kind of help can I expect to get from my parents? What is my relationship with drugs?
