Free Webinar: “Failure to Launch” Revisited: Why Young Adults Can’t Break Free

Fear – Fear of everything. Fear of going out, fear of people, fear of men, relationships, fear of failure and success, fear of a world with few protections, fear of leaving parents and abandonment, fear of living alone, etc. Once you live in fear and anxiety and depression, substances creep into daily life from sheer boredom. It is not unusual to find a 20-something who is not only afraid but also addicted (weed, alcohol, cigarettes, vape, pills, internet, gaming, gambling and more).

Parents overwhelmed, impaired – If you grew up with a disabled or unemployed or alcoholic or divorced parent, a parent working double shifts, you missed out on vital help you might need to succeed. It’s hard to catch up in your 20’s. Sometimes it takes a whole decade to make up for these missing milestones.

Social Anxiety – Instead of running out to get married like some did in previous generations, you avoid social situations, and avoidance reinforces avoidance. Avoidance is easy. And then you wake up when you’re 30 and say, “Whoa, I forgot to grow up.” Push past your comfort zone, even though it may hurt.

Presenter: Donna C. Moss, MA, LCSW-R

Donna C. Moss, MA, LCSW-R is a skilled adolescent therapist who writes about the Internet and on other issues in mental health. Moss has written and traveled and provided articles for the Internet on many topics in mental health. She was Online Producer at three major websites, iVillage, Disney and weightwatchers.com. She is an avid hiker, yoga practitioner and swimmer and is married with two teenagers of her own. You can learn more about Donna’s work at her personal website.