This post takes the reader through a raw and humorous exploration of the challenges the writer faced in 2024, navigating grief, mental health struggles and a tense workplace environment while managing a Gen Z team. The term “Z-phobia” is introduced to describe an irrational fear and aversion to interacting with Gen Z, caused by communication breakdowns and cultural clashes in the professional setting. The piece uses humor to reflect on the emotional toll these experiences take, emphasizing resilience, growth and the importance of self-compassion. Despite the heavy themes, the writer’s journey ultimately seeks to inspire others to reflect, heal, and embrace their own challenges.
Disclaimer This post is based on personal experiences and is not intended to generalize or stereotype any specific group, including Generation Z. The term "Z-phobia" is used humorously to describe unique challenges faced in certain professional dynamics with Generation Z, and is not meant to undermine or vilify any generation.
A Year of Struggles: Coping with Grief, Anxiety, PTSD and Menopause
Introduction
The year 2024 has been unlike any other. For much of it, grief, anxiety, PTSD and the effects of menopause have been constant companions, quietly shaping my thoughts and experiences. What began as an unexpected chapter in my life has now become a year defined by emotional turbulence and introspection. The struggle has been real, and at times, overwhelming. But this post is my way of sharing my journey, offering a sense of solidarity and hope that things can — and do — get better. If you’re walking a similar path, know that you’re not alone. We can survive this.
Grief: A Journey Through Loss
Grief is like an uninvited guest that decides to stick around for way too long. It’s slow, unpredictable and can catch you off guard when you least expect it. The loss of family members and good friends over the last 14 years has left a hole that words can’t fill. It echoes in the quiet moments, the memories that once brought comfort and in spaces that don’t quite feel the same anymore.
One minute, you’re fine. The next, you’re crying over a random song, a familiar scent or a memory you thought you were over. Grief doesn’t work in a straight line. It’s more like a rollercoaster that you didn’t buy a ticket for but somehow have to ride. The most frustrating thing? You don’t “get over” grief — you learn to live with it. And some days, living with it feels like running a marathon in a straightjacket.
Mental Health Struggles: The Silent Battle
Now, let’s talk about the mental health rollercoaster. For me, this year meant not only wrestling with grief but also a range of emotional battles I didn’t see coming. Mental shutdowns that lasted weeks, where everything became too much and I had to retreat into my own little cocoon just to function. And don't get me started on "white coat syndrome" — the wonderful affliction where even stepping foot in a doctor's office feels like I’m walking into a horror film. It’s a panic attack just waiting to happen and my blood pressure shots for the stars.
My PTSD is a lovely byproduct of managing a team of Gen Z’s in 2022 - 2023. And let’s just say... it didn’t exactly go as planned. Dealing with their communication style (or lack thereof), differing work ethics and expectations made me question everything about myself. And I mean everything. I spent way too many nights staring at the ceiling, wondering if I’d accidentally poisoned the office culture with my “toxicity.” (Yeah, let that one sink in — me, toxic? I was in the office two mornings a week, for crying out loud!)
But somehow, my Z-phobia blossomed. The very thought of communicating with Gen Z made my heart race and my brain hangs. It wasn’t just the frustration of not seeing eye-to-eye. It was the emotional toll it took, the doubt that crept in and the constant feeling of walking on eggshells around them. (By the way, walking on eggshells is one of my new hobbies, courtesy of Gen Z.) Over time, I became hypervigilant, second-guessing my every move and interaction. It wasn’t long before I developed a kind of "Z-phobia" (and trust me, this is a term I’ll coin and patent if I can).
To be clear, my Z-phobia isn’t just a dislike — it’s an irrational fear and aversion. Every conversation felt like I was stepping on a landmine. What if I said the wrong thing? What if they didn’t like my tone? Are they on the same wavelength with me? What if... what if... what if... It was exhausting. I have never been so hyper-aware of my words in my life. And yet, despite my fear of upsetting them, I somehow always felt like I was the one doing the upsetting. It was like being stuck in a toxic feedback loop of anxiety, doubt and self-criticism.
Fluctuating Struggles: From Low Points to Small Wins
From November 2023 to July 2024, I hit some serious low points. Those months felt like I was drowning in a sea of emotion. Some days were worse than others, but on the whole, it was a time of deep introspection and struggle. I’ll admit, I didn’t think I was going to make it through.
But then, in August 2024, things started to shift. The fog began to lift just a little and I started regaining some stability. It wasn’t easy and setbacks came crashing back in — like a cruel reminder that recovery isn’t linear — but I learned to manage my dips. The key? I no longer let the down periods take over my entire life. I let myself feel it, but I didn’t let it define me. Small wins, people. It’s all about the small wins.
Coping Strategies: Finding Light in the Dark
While this year has been heavy, I’ve stumbled upon a few coping mechanisms that have helped me navigate the storm. If you’re in a similar place, I recommend giving them a try.
Talking it Out: Don’t keep everything bottled up. Professional therapy has been invaluable, but even talking to a trusted friend or family member has worked wonders. Just saying the words can take a weight off your shoulders.
Self-Compassion: Okay, I’ll admit it — I’m the world’s worst at being kind to myself. But I’m learning. I’ve had to remind myself that healing doesn’t follow a tidy timeline. There are going to be setbacks, and that’s okay. It’s all part of the process.
Routine and Grounding: I don’t know about you, but when my brain is in chaos, it helps to have something resembling routine. Getting up at a regular time, making meals, doing something small and simple — it gives me a sense of control.
Mindfulness and Meditation: When anxiety tries to pull me into the deep end, mindfulness and meditation help me stay afloat. Focusing on the present moment reduces the intensity of those racing thoughts, even if just for a few minutes.
Seeking Support: The best advice I can give? Don’t go it alone. Whether it’s professional therapy or a chat with a friend, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We’re not supposed to handle everything on our own.
Conclusion: A Year of Growth
2024 has been brutal. But in the rubble, I’ve learned more about myself than I ever thought I would. Healing doesn’t mean erasing the pain — it means learning to live with it. It’s not about forgetting grief, anxiety, PTSD or menopause — it’s about accepting that they’re part of my story, but they don’t define who I am.
If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re stuck in your own struggle, remember this: healing doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step forward counts. You’re not alone in this and your healing is worth every bit of effort. We’re all navigating this journey together and we’ll make it through, one day at a time.
Call to Action
If you’re struggling, reach out. Seriously. There’s no shame in asking for help, and there are people who want to support you. Whether it’s a therapist, a friend or just acknowledging your feelings, taking that first step toward healing can make all the difference. You’ve got this, even on the days when it feels like you don’t.
Footnote Z-phobia refers to an aversion or intense discomfort in interacting with individuals from Generation Z (those born roughly between 1997 and 2012), particularly in professional or managerial settings. This fear or anxiety often stems from negative past experiences and can manifest as a heightened sense of stress or the feeling of walking on eggshells when dealing with Gen Zers. It may be characterized by a fear of conflict, criticism or difficulty in effective communication.
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