According to Psychology Today, Failure to Launch syndrome refers to young adults who are having trouble becoming self-sufficient and taking on adult responsibilities. The popular magazine revealed that an astounding 45 percent of 18 to 34-year-olds in New Jersey live at home with their parents and having difficulties with adulthood transition.
Since this problem continues to be on the rise, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and encourage your young adult to get treatment. Here are six Failure to Launch syndrome signs to watch out for.
1. Trouble Assimilating to College Life
The first big step your teen or young adult is likely to make is heading off to college following the completion of their high school diploma. Students will now be faced with a host of decisions they didn’t have to make before. Your young adult may need to take on the burden of a student loan, take classes that don’t interest them, and learn how to do their own laundry.
These tasks may seem extremely daunting to teens and young adults who are used to having their parents handle everything for them. In fact, students may become so distressed that it interferes with their ability to assimilate.
2. Struggles With Learning
High school and college classes are completely different. Young adults who were able to keep up with their high school classes may struggle with learning in a college setting. College courses don’t often give students points for class participation or offer the opportunity to earn extra credit. The courses also cover more material in a shorter time frame.
If you notice your university student is now having trouble learning when they didn’t before, they may be suffering from symptoms of Failure to Launch syndrome.
3. Lack of Motivation
Millennials who suffer from Failure to Launch often display a lack of motivation. They may not even want to apply to college or take the necessary steps to get a job. Teens may be plagued with fear about the future, or they may have a negative attitude about the subject. While parents can talk with their young adults about attainable goals and positive skills, professional mental health treatment is especially helpful when it comes to this symptom of Failure to Launch syndrome.
4. Difficulty Getting or Maintaining a Job
Young adults who are used to having their parents take care of them may find it difficult to obtain employment. Once they have it, it can also be a struggle for them to keep it. While low wages and a bad economy play a part in job security, individuals with Failure to Launch syndrome often know they can return home and live with their parents if they no longer continue to work.
5. Missing Passion
In addition to a lack of motivation, teens with Failure to Launch syndrome have a missing passion. They have not yet identified hobbies, career paths or charitable causes that they could involve themselves in that would bring them joy and a purpose. Without a passion for life and all of its many possibilities, it will be extremely difficult to succeed.
6. Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues may be an underlying cause that is contributing to the Failure to Launch syndrome. A teen may suffer from anxiety, depression or self-esteem issues that make them avoid the future because it is just too scary to think about. In order for the young adult to move forward, these issues would need to be addressed by a mental health professional.
If your young adult exhibits any symptoms of the Failure to Launch signs mentioned above, contact Life Adjustment Team for help. Our psychiatric rehabilitation specialists are ready to create a plan that will help your loved one succeed and lead a productive and fulfilling life.
