Everybody has that one day. The day where their hair doesn’t come out just as they want it, their clothes don’t fit them in just that way, or when you look at your body in the mirror and it’s just not how you pictured it. Now, in this generation where it seems that it’s more about having a body positive mentality, it seems weird that there’d be any trace of insecurities, but insecurities lurk in the deepest and darkest of places, and are always around the corner when you least expected. It seems that in this generation full of millennials insecurities are at an all-time high. “It’s much more common now for parents to tell kids they are special, and in education it’s about boosting children’s self-esteem. Everyone gets a trophy for participating, which is not how the real world works. When Generation Y hit their 20s and the world isn’t giving them the attention and feedback they think they deserve, they can end up anxious and depressed.” (Dove, Anxiety: the epidemic sweeping through Generation Y). With the rapid growth of positive reinforcement from parents, and the constant reassurance we have as millennials, we are unable to determine for ourselves what qualities make us good people, and what makes us stand out from the rest. This cloud of confusion, and constant worry about what makes us good people, and what gives us worth can lead to a bunch of insecurities, and even anxiety and depression.

Insecurity doesn’t just come from bullies, parents, evil siblings, or the models we see on TV or in movies. It comes from our own mind, and sometimes it comes from the things that we, as millennials, are supposed to enjoy. Social media, for example, is supposed to be something that connects or brings people together, but instead it’s some of the biggest insecurity factors of this year. Rajita Sinha, director of the Yale Stress Center, told Business Insider that social media often contributes to college students’ stress when it is used to perpetuate harassment or bullying (or, at MU, anonymous Yik Yak threats during the height of a campus protest). But, Sinha says, social media also exaggerates anxiety because students use it to compare themselves with their peers. (Heck, A generation on edge: A look at millennial mental health). These constant comparisons with people’s lives, whether it be love, wealth, social acceptance, or simply looks can cause a feeling of inadequacy. One may start to feel that because they can’t live like the pictures they see of their peers their life is basically not as meaningful. These insecurities are irrational simply because pictures do not portray the full life, or struggles that someone is dealing with. Many people look like they have it together, especially on social media, but they’re only posting the pictures that they want you to see. You don’t know if they’re crumbling under the pressure of everyday life, or if they are just as insecure or depressed as you are.

The best thing to remember when dealing with insecurities or your own anxiety is that it all stems from irrational thoughts. Most of your insecurities such as the pimple on your forehead, the way your body looks, the rolls on your stomach, or maybe the way your hair looks are all in your head. Remind yourself that most people don’t notice these things unless you point them out, or don’t even care. Besides, all of these things make you who you are. Now, it’s hard of course to see yourself behind your insecurities. People will give you compliments, but they won’t stick. It’s all up to you, and what you chose to do. You could let the insecurities continue to make you afraid, and scared to live up to your true potential, or you could begin a journey of self-love, and begin to truly love yourself. Self-love is not always the prettiest, and some days you’ll relapse back to your old habits. The trick is to remind yourself is that in order for others to love, accept, and cherish you you have to do that for yourself.

In conclusion, insecurities have plagued and caught the millennial generation in a chokehold, but with simple self-loving habits you should be able to overcome, and conquer your biggest fears. Soon you’ll be able to see yourself in a new light, one that’s more positive and self-aware of all the things you can accomplish.

Article Bibliography:

Dove, Rachael. "Anxiety: The Epidemic Sweeping through Generation Y." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 20 Apr. 2015. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.

Heck, Laura. "A Generation on Edge: A Look at Millennials and Mental Health." Vox Magazine. Telegraph Media Group Limited 2016, 19 Nov. 2015. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.