Six in ten millennials are suffering from a quarter life crisis

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Six in 10 millennials claim to be suffering from a 'quarter-life crisis', according to a study.

Research among 2,000 Brits aged 25 to 35 found more than half are struggling to cope amid financial, career and personal pressures.

The study shows 53 per cent of young adults are finding it difficult to make ends meet, and trying to find a job has stressed out another 23 per cent.

Their current living situation has led to feelings of despair for one third, while 28 per cent are struggling with a job they find challenging.

Other facts contributing to the quarter-life crisis include trying to find employment, attempting to get on the property ladder and bad luck in the relationship stakes.

It also emerged the average millennial claims to have been feeling at rock bottom for more than six months as they struggle to 'sort their life out'.

Optimistic half

Despite the gloomy outlook half believe things will get better soon.

The study was carried out by first direct bank, which teamed up with psychologist, Dr Oliver Robinson to look at how people can use a crisis as a spark for change.

Dr Robinson, who focuses on how identity, well-being and mental health are affected by major life transitions, crises and ageing processes during adulthood, said: "There's two sides to a quarter-life crisis.

"They're often feared as periods of difficulty and distress, but in my experience they can also be times of openness, curiosity and growth.

"People may find old habits and coping mechanisms no longer help in the way they used to, and this can act as a spur to explore new ideas, new activities and new ways of overcoming life's challenges."

The study also found 18 per cent of adults aren't coping well with the fact their relationship with their parents is difficult, and similarly 25 per cent say their personal life is hard work.

Interestingly, when asked to describe how they've been feeling over the past six months, 'anxious', 'frustrated', 'confused' and 'sad' were among the most common terms put forward.

Just 36 per cent said they have felt happy in times of late, and only 27 per cent said 'optimistic'.

Life improvements

Perhaps due to feelings of pessimism and worry, 36 per cent of those polled said they are more curious than usual to try new things that could improve their quality of life.

But during a period of crisis, only 37 per cent of adults said they knew who to turn to, or where to go for advice.

Those who do seek help reach out to family members or good friends (40 per cent respectively).

One in four will speak to friends online, while 16 per cent will take to the internet to communicate with family.

Only one in 10 have considered using a therapist when things are bad, and just two per cent have a mentor to get them through trickier times.

But one fifth never manage to get good and helpful advice.

Life changes

Zoe Burns-Shore, Head of Culture at first direct, which commissioned the research via OnePoll.com said: "We know people today go through major life changes in a way that's so different to previous generations.

"first direct has never been about telling people what to do, but we know this is a very real issue for many people today.

"By teaming up with Dr Robinson we want to highlight how people have actually found the quarter life crisis to be a catalyst for positive change.

''And by sharing the theory and experiences we hope we can help people reframe the way they think about difficult times."

First direct and Dr Oliver Robinson who is a Quarter-Life Crisis Expert and Senior Lecturer for Psychology in the Department of Psychology as well as a Social Work & Counselling guru at the University of Greenwich, have launched a guide: "How to turn your Quarter-Life Crisis into a Quarter-Life Catalyst".

The guide outlines the two types of quarter life crisis - the "Locked in" type and the "Locked out" type - and details the stages people go through within each one. The guide is available on first direct's website.

TOP CAUSES OF 'QUARTER LIFE CRISIS'

1. Financial difficulties2. Living situation3. Working in a challenging job4. Lack of romantic relationship5. Being in a time-consuming romantic relationship6. Trying to find a job7. Relationship with parents8. Trying to get on the property ladder9. Reading the news10. Social media