21 Moments of Panic Every 20-Something Experiences

You're in your 20s, and now all you have to do is survive a decade of confusion, inner turmoil, and the constant question mark hanging over your head about where your life is really headed. Awesome! We feel your joy and your pain at this prospect and have gathered a list of the periods of heart-racing, palm-sweating panic we experience as we travel through our 20s with hopes of making it through unscathed and even better for it all. And if you think you're the only one with some of these fears, think again — we all have moments just like these.

01
When you break up with the person you thought you were going to be with forever.
NBC

When you break up with the person you thought you were going to be with forever.

02
When you have existential crisis after existential crisis.
CBS

When you have existential crisis after existential crisis.

03
Paramount Pictures

But really, who are you though?!

04
The idea of marriage in your early 20s.
CBS

The idea of marriage in your early 20s.

05
The idea of marriage in your late 20s.
Fox

The idea of marriage in your late 20s.

06
When you can no longer deny that exercise is a necessity in life.
Warner Bros.

When you can no longer deny that exercise is a necessity in life.

07
Feeling simultaneously guilty and frustrated when your family says you don't spend enough time with them.
Disney

Feeling simultaneously guilty and frustrated when your family says you don't spend enough time with them.

08
When you aren't quite clear about what your career or job actually entails.
Fox

When you aren't quite clear about what your career or job actually entails.

09
When even the smallest things about being an adult are SO. HARD.
Warner Bros.

When even the smallest things about being an adult are SO. HARD.

10
When you realize you've become your mother.
Dreamworks

When you realize you've become your mother.

11
Or your father.
ABC

Or your father.

12
When you decide you have to start eating healthier. Like, WAY healthier.
Paramount Pictures

When you decide you have to start eating healthier. Like, WAY healthier.

13
But, food . . .
Fox

But, food . . .

15
When you step back and realize that everything has changed and you aren't sure how to deal with it.
Showtime

When you step back and realize that everything has changed and you aren't sure how to deal with it.

16
The moment you spy your first teeny-tiny wrinkle.
Comedy Central

The moment you spy your first teeny-tiny wrinkle.

17
When you finally embrace the fact that your hangovers will only get worse and worse as time goes on.
NBC

When you finally embrace the fact that your hangovers will only get worse and worse as time goes on.

18
When you feel great about your decision to go to grad school, then find out how much it costs.
ABC

When you feel great about your decision to go to grad school, then find out how much it costs.

19
When you're forced to really make a budget.
NBC

When you're forced to really make a budget.

20
The fear you feel when all of your other friends are progressing in their careers faster than you.
20th Century Studios

The fear you feel when all of your other friends are progressing in their careers faster than you.

22
The stunning revelation that you graduated high school a decade (or more) ago.
The CW

The stunning revelation that you graduated high school a decade (or more) ago.