‘Girl, we’re in a cost-of-living crisis’ we laugh. This statement has been used to justify why my friends and I have kept the heating off, prefer working from home instead of traveling and said no to yet another birthday dinner. This awareness of being in a cost-of-living crisis is shaping our everyday decisions and what was once an impromptu Starbucks coffee or Nando’s trip is now a quiet and cold time indoors.
When I first heard about the cost-of-living crisis, I immediately started to worry. This elusive crisis whose impact was not yet understood birthed in me a sense of dread. I didn’t know what the crisis would mean for my already restricted lifestyle as a 24-year-old in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Worst still, I didn’t know what the cost-of-living crisis would mean for my future.
Us 11–30-year-olds have been dubbed ‘The Class of Covid’. After going through a traumatic global pandemic, political instability and now a cost-of-living crisis the past few years have seen generations of young people whose lives, and consequently futures, seem punctuated by uncertainty. This begs the question, in a world that is progressively unpredictable what impact is that having on the mental health of young people across the UK?
With growing worries about paying bills, heating homes, and even buying food, young people are feeling more and more disenfranchised from the promising future that once seemed guaranteed. “I support my family a lot and saving seems impossible now”, said one anonymous contributor. Their experience is not unique. A Prince’s Trust survey of 2,000 young people between 16 to 25 have fears about not having enough money to buy essentials, a quarter have skipped meals to save money and 14% have used a food bank at least once in the past year. A third have expressed they can’t afford to turn on heating and a similar proportion can’t afford travel costs to get to work.
These experiences have seen an increased pessimism and feeling of uncertainty when it comes to the future with 60% feeling uncertain about the future and 51% expressing concern about job security. The harsh reality of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis pushed charity Young Minds to pen a letter to the Prime Minister, calling for every household to be safe, warm and with enough to eat to prevent what they call ‘an inevitable rise in mental ill health”. These statistics can feel discouraging especially when our youth is often seen as the time to build the foundations of the rest of our lives. What is promising is that research is being done to quantify the reality of the crisis on young people and with these numbers hopefully solutions can be created. However, away from the statistics let’s unpack other factors impacting many young people in the cost-of-living crisis.
Growing up in the social media age, we have access to an abundance of resources as well as insight into the lives of others. However, there is a downside. Seeing others share what they can bring to light who you lack. Whether you’re sitting at home with multiple layers to save heating or eating the same basic meal for another night, watching a TikTok of a
friend on a luxurious holiday or an Instagram post of a peer buying a house can feel like a kick in the teeth.
This was seen recently, when lifestyle and fashion influencer Lydia Millen took to Tik Tok to share that after her heating had broken at home, she was heading to The Savoy hotel to “make use of their wonderful hot water”. Rooms at The Savoy go for up to £1000 pounds a night and when many are struggling, she was met with heavy critique. This tone-deaf display highlighted an increasing issue in the lives of Gen Z and Millennials. Living in culture where it’s normal to share every facet of your life, curated at best and false at worst, it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison.
However, now more than ever it’s important we understand that we are in control of what we consume. Psychology Today says that a way to stop comparing yourself to others is to become aware of and avoid your triggers. If you have to mute, unfollow or block the content that is making you feel bad about yourself, do it. Protect your peace, water your own garden, and focus on the steps you can take to stay afloat in what is a very difficult time for many. Another side of the coin when it comes to comparison is guilt. “I often feel guilt when I’m spending because I know people both in my family and outside who are struggling” says anonymous student, “but I’m torn between wanting to enjoy my twenties, gain meaningful experiences, fund my studies and survive in the current climate we are in”. Guilt can be an oppressive force. Sure, the state of the world is challenging. However, count yourself blessed and where you can, lend an open ear or hand to those who might need it most in this time.
As we battle through this cost-of-living crisis, now more than ever we need each other. Whether it’s being understanding when a friend can’t make your birthday party, offering support to someone you know is struggling, or opting for something cheap for that work Christmas Do you’re organizing, it is important that we adopt a community spirit to combat feelings of isolation and hopelessness at this time. There is also financial support available, so check the government website to see what you may be eligible for.
Times are tough, but if there is anything that the global pandemic taught us anything is that we as young people are incredibly resilient and as we battle through this cost-of-living crisis we should continue to push the government to make necessary changes to improve our lives and band together to be a source of comfort and hope to one another.
Written by: Itunu Abolarinwa