The Mental Health of Adults who live with their Parents
Aug 16, 2023
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The podcast explores the impact of adults living with their parents on emotional wellbeing and identity. Topics discussed include Dublin comedians mocking smaller towns, confronting social anxiety, importance of protecting against identity theft, supporting independent podcasts, and the psychological effects of living with parents.
Living with parents can hinder the development of adult sense of identity and autonomy, impacting self-esteem and hindering participation in the adult world.
The unaffordability of housing in Ireland is causing a high percentage of adults to live with their parents, resulting in a lack of adult autonomy and hindering their ability to fully participate in society and politics.
To maintain an adult sense of identity while living with parents, it is important to actively engage in adult responsibilities, avoid regressing into child-like reactions, and set goals for personal growth and independence.
Deep dives
The Misconception of Dubliners' Perception of Other Irish Cities
Dublin comedians often make jokes about other cities in Ireland, portraying them as uncivilized and small. However, people from cities like Limerick, Cork, and Kerry do not view Dublin as a big cosmopolitan city. They have been to larger cities abroad and see Dublin as similar to their own towns. The jokes made by Dublin comedians do not have the intended effect and leave the audience feeling confused.
The Importance of Autonomy in Developing Adult Identity
Autonomy plays a crucial role in developing a sense of adult identity. Moving out of the family home and gaining independence allows individuals to fully explore their sense of self and make decisions for themselves. Having the freedom to take care of oneself, such as doing laundry or cooking meals, boosts self-esteem and builds confidence. Without this autonomy, individuals may struggle to develop a clear sense of who they are and can face challenges in achieving their goals.
The Impact of Living with Parents on Adult Identity
A significant number of adults in Ireland are living with their parents, which can impede the development of a strong adult identity. Reliance on parental support and living in an environment where past roles and dynamics are still present can hinder personal growth and self-esteem. Without the experience of full autonomy and responsibility, individuals may struggle to see themselves as independent adults, impacting their sense of identity and hindering their ability to navigate and participate fully in the adult world.
Impact of Living with Parents as Adults
A damning report has revealed that 68% of adults between the ages of 25 and 35 in Ireland are still living with their parents due to the housing and rent crisis. This situation is not a choice, but rather a result of the unaffordability of housing for the majority. The term 'young people' is often used to describe this demographic, but it undermines their adult status and the psychological impact of not achieving adult autonomy. Living with parents can hinder the development of adult sense of identity, self-esteem, and agency. The reliance on parents for support in adult issues can lead to unhelpful dynamics, preventing genuine adult discourse and decision-making. The inability to participate fully in society and politics can also result from lacking an autonomous adult identity. This issue requires more attention and consideration to address the psychological and societal consequences.
Maintaining Adult Identity While Living at Home
Living with parents as an adult can be emotionally challenging, but it is crucial to maintain an adult sense of identity and autonomy to mitigate these challenges. It is essential to resist falling into patterns of behavior rooted in childhood or relying on parents for basic tasks. Taking responsibility for household chores, contributing to bills if feasible, and creating boundaries can help preserve an adult identity. By actively engaging in adult responsibilities, individuals can protect their self-esteem, emotional well-being, and overall sense of adulthood. It is important to set goals, maintain emotional regulation, and avoid regressing into child-like reactions to ensure personal growth and progress towards independence.
