Energy is one of the most fundamental resources we have; it’s what we use to work, think, create, and simply get through the day. Yet in today’s world, more and more of that energy is being pulled toward demands that go far beyond basic survival. At the same time, the cost of living continues to rise while wages struggle to keep pace. The result is a growing gap: even as it takes more energy to maintain a stable life, the expectations don’t ease; they intensify, constantly asking us to give more simply to keep up.
This is not an accident. Many organizations and corporations continue to prioritize profit, often without fully accounting for the human limits of the people who sustain their operations. Companies like Walmart and Amazon have seen significant profit growth, while many workers still live paycheck to paycheck. This reflects a broader pattern that has been widely discussed: wealth is increasingly concentrated at the top rather than circulating through the broader population. It’s the dynamic captured in the familiar phrase, “the rich get richer while the poor get poorer.”
And despite these realities, the expectations haven’t let up. People are still required to show up each day and work just as hard, if not harder, simply to stay afloat. Over time, this takes a real toll on mental health, particularly for millennials and Gen Z — millennials have even been dubbed the “burnout generation” — many of whom find themselves stuck in a cycle of survival mode, earning just enough to get by while trying to keep up with increasing workplace demands. This ongoing pressure often shows up as burnout, heightened anxiety, and depression.
As therapists, we’re often trained to treat depression, anxiety, and burnout at the individual level, focusing on the person sitting in front of us. While that work is essential, it can’t stand alone. The broader systems that contribute to these struggles also need to be acknowledged and addressed if we want to create meaningful, lasting change.
I plan to speak more on this in the future but for now, here are 3 points of action:
1. You are not a failure: What you’re experiencing is not a personal shortcoming—it reflects larger systemic issues. When the structure itself makes stability harder to achieve, the struggle is not yours alone to carry.
2. Community matters: You are not going through this alone. Many people are navigating the same pressures, which makes connection and mutual support essential. Lean on your community, and consider how you can also show up for others.
3. Use your voice: Speak about your experiences and what you’re seeing. Share information, have conversations with coworkers, and engage with local or national representatives. Change is more likely when people are informed, connected, and willing to be heard.
If you’re feeling the weight of burnout, anxiety, or depression, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The therapists at Life Counseling Solutions are here to help. Schedule a consultation today.
Rob Jenkins is a therapist at Life Counseling Solutions in Casselberry, Florida. His clinical work focuses on anxiety, depression, life transitions, and the intersection of systemic pressures and mental health. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit lifecounselingsolutions.com or call (407) 622-1770.
