The relentless pace of young adult life in London has taken a toll on the mental well-being of millions of Londoners.

Shakira Bruce-Abubacker looks at life as a 22-year-old graduate in London: a personal journey of struggle and resilience

Amidst the vibrancy of London’s streets and grandeur of its cultural scene, London is apparent with opportunity and excitement. Yet, underneath, a silent struggle brews amongst its young residents. From rapidly increasing rent prices to the dynamic and relentless pace of young adult life, as a 22-year-old Londoner, navigating through the complexities of urban living presents challenges that test my resilience, resourcefulness and mental health.

At the heart of my struggle lies the weight of excessively high and unreasonable rent prices. I quickly found my once dream of independence, was brought to sudden reality, as I was tasked with not only finding affordable and suitable accommodation to call “home”, but each month I found myself grappling with making ends meet whilst also relentlessly trying to keep a roof over my head. With even the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment skyrocketing above the national average, finding an affordable home becomes a Herculean task, especially for a recent graduate. This often entails stretching finances to the limit, settling for less-than-ideal living conditions or covering your rent and groceries and having nothing left over for savings or indulgences. Every month becomes a gamble between paying the rent and having enough for groceries or basic necessities.  Despite budgeting carefully and seeking affordable options, the reality of London’s housing market has become a rigged game against young adults, remaining a constant source of stress and uncertainty. 

The challenges of being a young adult in London, extend far beyond financial burdens. As a recent graduate, struggling to make ends meet, the uncertainty and anxiety of establishing a career in this complex city, looms over my head. For many, including myself, it has been very hard to transition from student life to navigating life post-graduation and securing employment.In a city brimming with opportunities, the pressure to establishmyself in a competitive job market feels magnified and in the same breath, limited. My pursuit of career advancement has been a constant, uphill battle and landing a stable job that aligns with my own aspirations appears unattainable. I find myself navigating through internships, job applications and yet, to noavail, nothing or very little response back. Now, just to be clear, London does offer countless opportunities, however getting your foot in the door requires persistence and resilience. It’s a constant hustle as well as struggle, which has left me questioning my place in the dynamic field of journalism.

The relentless pace of young adult life in London has taken a toll on the mental well-being of millions of Londoners. The pressures of academic and professional success often leave those too caught up in the rat race, easily neglecting their own mental well-being. Those that are constantly struggling and hustling to stay afloat financially are often left vulnerable to overwhelming levels of anxiety and stress. For individuals like myself, the pressure to excel academically and soon after, secure a foothold in the job market has exerted significant pressure upon me, leaving me vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Alongside this, the cost of living has added an additional layer of stress, as young adults are struggling to meet their basic needs whilst also pursuing their aspirations.

In the face of such circumstances, the importance of accessible resources cannot be emphasised enough. My plea for greater support reflects a broader sentiment amongst young adults in London who desperately require assistance in managing their financial responsibilities, navigating through their career pathsor their mental health. Whether it’s access to community support groups, counseling or online resources, there is a clear need for resources that provide guidance and assistance to young adults navigating through the complexities of living in London.

Despite the multitude of challenges, I, as well as many other young adults may face in London, I take pride in my resilience and determination that have helped to define my journey. Whether it’s gaining support from friends and loved ones, pursuing creative outlets as a form of self-expression or even finding comfort in an hour of yoga in my garden, my obstacles will not define me. Each day presents a new opportunity to grow, learn and embrace unique opportunities that come with being a young adult in the dynamic and vibrant city that is, London.

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