Anxiety in your 20’s.

I’ve been loving this series on what anxiety looks like in different decades, so today I want to share a little about my 20s.

Back then, I didn’t even know I had anxiety…I just knew I felt uncomfortable in my own skin. My self-esteem was low, and instead of coping in healthy ways, I numbed with partying, drinking, and unhealthy habits.

I buried emotions and old traumas because I didn’t know how else to deal. It wasn’t until my mid-30s that I finally started to feel at home in my own skin. Here are some tools I wish I had made more of a priority in my 20s.

Daily Tools for Anxiety in Your 20s

Get honest about who you spend your time with. Notice how friends make you feel-do they lift you

up or drain you?

Cut down on alcohol + numbing habits. They may give short relief but make anxiety worse long-term.

Start therapy if you can. Having a safe space to process emotions can change everything.

Create a mental health toolkit. Build coping habits like journaling, grounding, or breathwork.

Practice saying ‘no’ once a week to protect your peace and energy.

Stay single long enough to learn to love yourself before settling for less.

Try living alone or traveling solo. It builds independence and self-trust.

Anchor your day with one ritual (walk, playlist, or morning journaling) to feel grounded.

Your 20s don’t have to be about numbing or pretending. You’re allowed to choose healing, even if you don’t have it all figured out yet.

“Who am I supposed to be by now?”

“Everyone else has a career… what if I’m already behind?”

“What if I picked the wrong major/job and ruined my future?”

“They’re getting engaged, buying houses, traveling-and I can’t even pay rent.”

“Shouldn’t I have it all figured out by 25?”

“What if I fail before I even start?”

“If I say no, they’ll stop inviting me. But I’m exhausted.”

“Did I make the wrong choice moving here? Choosing this partner? Taking this job?”

“I should feel independent by now, but I can’t even afford it.”

“Why does every big life change feel like I’m about to fall apart?”