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Column: Fighting for the future

There is an uneasiness among our young people today. Sure, there have been trying periods for youth throughout history, but none that compares to today. For 10 months now, the unrest has brewed.

There is an uneasiness among our young people today. Sure, there have been trying periods for youth throughout history, but none that compares to today.  

For 10 months now, the unrest has brewed. We have always touted the youth as this country’s future. Today, our youth are trying to find where they belong. 

I remember being frustrated in my youth that I needed abundant experience to obtain the career position I desired. I remember angrily asking “How am I supposed to get experience when no one will hire me?” Over time, with age came life experience. Eventually, someone gave me a chance. 

Take that frustration and multiply it by 100. Take that anger and multiply it several times more. That is what our young people are facing today. With unemployment numbers sitting at 11 per cent or lower, there is little to apply for, no matter their ambition or aspirations.  

Then, there is the ever-increasing number of young adults in their 20s and even 30s who have had to swallow their pride and move back in with their parents or guardians. With little savings and few prospects, is there any wonder their feelings of hopelessness grow? With that hopelessness comes depression. With that depression comes dark thoughts that terrify their friends and loved ones. 

This generation was told they were our future. We gave them our confidence and encouragement to be productive, innovative and successful. We told them that as long as they were motivated, ambitious and willing to dream, the world was theirs for the taking. We neglected to tell them one very important thing that every generation before them knew – it would take sacrifice.  

Now, imagine yourself as a young adult in 2019 or 2020, having graduated within the last two years. Unbeknownst to the world, every opportunity that exists is about to be postponed for an indefinite amount of time. Initially, it’s no big deal, as many looked forward to a summer break after many years of academia. But then they also have their ability to network and socialize taken away. Pages of a calendar turn and anxiety sets in. They’re supposed to be changing the world. How can they do that within the confines of walls borne of a pandemic?  

We humans are meant to have purpose. We need to be productive. We are, inherently, social creatures that require contact with others. Mental illness is on the rise at an alarming rate, but unlike most diseases, this one – a new strain resulting from lockdowns and isolation – preys more on the young.

I have been made privy of four people who succumbed to that illness in the last three weeks. Their ages were 21, 23, 29 and 32. One of them left behind a wife and son. That’s just within the circle of people I know, so I imagine there must be many more. Dark thoughts grow where the light of hope is lacking. Sadly, not all are strong enough to overcome these demons. 

We need to remind ourselves and everyone around us that lack of economic or career success in these times does not equal failure. We need to come clean on our own failures when encouraging our youth.  

Most of all, we need to encourage those who are struggling to reach out for help. It’s not a sign of weakness – it’s fighting for your future. 

 

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