People Reveal the Surprising Thing Boomers Got Right, Causing Discomfort for Some
By Mike-Ross
An overarching Baby Boomer stereotype is that they have a problem with the younger generations, especially Millennials because they were coddled growing up and lack the determination to do hard things.
Many believe that when helicopter parents shelter kids from discomfort, they never develop the emotional resilience that it takes to succeed on their own.
Some may even attribute this to the increase in mental illness.
A writer on X, who goes by Katie, recently admitted that Boomers who believe facing discomfort has a significant benefit may be right. Her post has been seen over 4 million times.
“My boomer-est opinion is that you have to force yourself to do things that are difficult and uncomfortable and you have to do it often, while you’re young and your brain is still flexible." Yes, even if you are (functionally) mentally ill,” Katie wrote. “Buying groceries can be uncomfortable. going to school/work can be uncomfortable. Socializing can be uncomfortable. The more you do it, the less uncomfortable it will be. If you can do these things (I know that there is a % of the population that isn’t), you have to do them often.”
“I’ve never come back to a piece of life advice more than this one,” she continued before quoting Virgil Thompson. “Try a thing you haven't done three times. Once, to get over the fear of doing it. Twice, to learn how to do it. And a third time to figure out whether you like it or not.”
Many people agreed with Katie’s Boomer-adjacent thoughts on building emotional resilience.
Some folks are on the fence.
Some voiced disagreement with Katie's perspective, arguing that the notion of "pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps" is ableist and overlooks the challenges faced by individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Here's what the experts have to say:
According to Dr. Simon Sherry, a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University, excessive coddling has created significant issues for younger generations. "While it's important to prioritize safety for children, we need to acknowledge the unintended consequences of our overly cautious approach. Instead, we should teach young people to confront anxiety, take risks, and overcome fears," Dr. Sherry explained to CTV News. "Addressing this societal problem is crucial to prevent further harm to future generations."
Dr. Launa Marques, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School and former President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, emphasizes that avoiding uncomfortable situations can exacerbate anxiety. "Psychological avoidance isn't just about our actions; it's about the underlying intentions," she told The Washington Post. "For many of my clients, avoidance initially provided relief from anxiety but ultimately made it worse. Instead of alleviating anxiety disorders, avoidance often amplifies them."
It's important to remember that each individual's circumstances are unique, and those experiencing mental health issues should seek guidance from their therapists to determine the most effective strategies for overcoming their challenges.
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