“So, what’s next?” 

It’s a question so many young people are being asked right now by teachers, family, friends, and even themselves. Whether you’re in the middle of exams, finishing up university, applying for courses, or weighing up your options post-education, it can feel like the world expects you to already know. Know your goals. Know your career path. Know who you are. And if you don’t know yet? It can feel like you’ve failed before you’ve even begun.

But here’s the truth: Not having it all figured out doesn’t mean you’re behind. It means you’re human. This feeling of future anxiety UK is more common than you might think. In England, approximately "1 in 6 adults report dealing with a common mental health issue like anxiety or depression each week". This highlights that the pressure to have everything planned out can contribute to widespread young people mental health challenges, particularly for student mental health in the UK.  

The Myth of “One Right Path”

There’s a lot of pressure to pick the perfect course, land the perfect job, or find your passion and stick with it. But most people don’t live life in a straight line. They take detours. They try things, learn from them and pivot. That’s not failing, it’s growing! This idea of career uncertainty is a natural part of life.

Still, when you’re young and unsure, hearing things like:

• “What will you do with that degree?”
• “That doesn’t sound very practical.”
• “Aren’t you worried you’ll regret it?”

…can be overwhelming and discouraging. Especially if you already struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, perfectionism, or feeling like you don’t quite fit the mould. This often fuels anticipatory anxiety, which is "increased levels of anxiety by thinking about an event or situation in the future". It can lead to "catastrophic predictions about an event" and contribute to life path anxiety. Learning anxiety management and challenging perfectionism support can be crucial here.   

Why This Pressure Feels So Heavy

For neurodivergent or LGBTQIA+ individuals, the path ahead can feel even more unclear. Traditional education and employment systems are often built around certain expectations of behaviour, performance, identity that just don’t reflect everyone’s lived experience.

For Students: The academic demands and career anxieties of higher education can be intense. Many universities in the UK offer "dedicated welfare or wellbeing department[s]" to support student anxiety UK. Organisations like Student Minds, the "UK's student mental health charity", are dedicated to empowering students and advocating for their well-being.   

For Neurodivergent Individuals: Neurodivergence describes "the natural variation in how people experience, process and interact with the world". These differences are not deficits, but challenges often arise from "environments and systems that aren't designed with their needs in mind". You might feel:   

• Unseen in typical careers or classrooms
• Exhausted from masking neurodivergence or trying to keep up with neurotypical standards
• Anxious about being in spaces that aren’t inclusive or affirming
• Confused about what you want vs. what you’ve been told you should want

All of this adds an extra layer of neurodivergent mental health load. At Mind Vista, I am committed to being neuro-inclusive and offering counselling for neurodivergence, working in a way that is "understanding and inclusive of the many ways neurodiversity can shape how we experience the world".   

For LGBTQIA+ Young People: Exploring identity and finding affirming spaces can be particularly challenging. You might feel confused about what you want versus what you’ve been told you should want. At Mind Vista, I pride myself on being LGBTQIA+ affirming, creating a "safe and welcoming space for every conversation". LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist[s] "work with many LGBTQIA+ clients, some of whom come to therapy to explore issues relating to sexuality and gender".   

All of this adds an extra layer of mental load. And it makes total sense that your nervous system might be saying, “I can’t do this right now.”

You Are Not Behind. You’re In Progress.

Just because someone else appears to have a plan doesn’t mean it’s all working out for them. Everyone’s timeline is different—and yours is no less valid if it includes rest, redirection, or slow exploration.

✨ It’s okay to not be sure. 

✨ It’s okay to take your time. 

✨ It’s okay to change your mind.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit, “I don’t know yet.”

How Therapy Can Help You Navigate Uncertainty

Therapy isn’t just for crisis moments. It can be a space to:

• Unpack the pressure to succeed or “have it together”
• Explore your identity, values, and sense of direction at your own pace. Counselling can help individuals "gain a better understanding of their feelings and thought processes, and find their own solutions to problems".   
• Reflect on what you need to feel safe, seen, and capable
• Build a toolkit of strategies to manage stress, overwhelm, or self-doubt
• Cultivate self-trust and tune out the noise of other people’s expectations

This kind of therapy for uncertainty provides a supportive environment to "explore your identity, reflect on your experiences, and connect with your strengths". It's a journey of self-discovery counselling that can help with stress management therapy and overwhelm support.   

At Mind Vista, my approach is gentle, affirming, and person-centred. I work with young people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and neurodivergent clients in a way that meets you where you are without judgment, pressure, or a fixed agenda.   

Mind Vista: Your Compass in the East Midlands

Based in the East Midlands, Mind Vista offers specialised online therapy and counselling specifically tailored for young adults, neurodivergent individuals, and LGBTQIA+ clients. The convenience and flexibility of online therapy mean sessions can be conducted "online or on the phone—whatever feels most comfortable for you".   

This accessibility allows us to reach a broader regional audience, including those seeking counselling Nottingham, LGBTQ+ therapy Leicester, or neurodivergent support Derby, providing vital inclusive therapy where it's needed most.

Not Sure Where to Start? Try This:

Here are a few small prompts you can explore in a journal or voice note. These self-reflection prompts can be a great way to begin your wellbeing journal journey and practice mental health exercises:

• If no one else had a say, what would I want right now?
• What feels energising or exciting—even if it doesn’t “make sense”?
• What am I curious about (even if I’m not ready to act on it yet)?
• Where do I feel most like myself?

And if your answer is “I don’t know” to any of them—that’s completely valid too. You don’t need to know in order to begin. You can also kick-start your mental health journey with our Holistic Wellbeing Journal.

Reputable Support in the UK & East Midlands

While Mind Vista offers specialised and affirming support, a broader network of reputable organisations exists to provide additional help.

Key External Mental Health Resources (UK-wide)

Student Minds

The UK's student mental health charity, empowering students with mental health toolkits and advocating for their well-being within higher education.

UK Council for International Student Affairs

Provides information and support on mental health for international students studying in the UK.

Anxiety UK

A national charity offering extensive support for anxiety and anxiety disorders, including helplines, therapy services (CBT, counselling), and self-help resources.

Mind

A leading mental health charity in England and Wales, providing helplines, local services, an online community, and specific contacts for LGBTQIA+ mental health support.

Stonewall

A prominent LGBTQ+ rights charity that offers valuable mental health resources and support specifically for young LGBTQ+ individuals.

ADHD Foundation

The UK's leading neurodiversity charity, offering pre-diagnostic screenings, parent courses, professional training, and advocacy for neurodivergent individuals.

NHS Talking Therapies 

Provides comprehensive information on various talking therapies, counselling, and self-help tools, with options for direct self-referral to local services.

 East Midlands Specific Support Services

CASY

A young people's mental health charity based in Newark, covering the East Midlands (ages 6-25), offering confidential one-to-one counselling services.

Be U - Notts

A free mental health service for children and young people (0-25 years old) residing in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, providing 1-1 counselling, group therapy, and peer support.

Autism East Midlands (Neurohubs)

Offers support and information services for neurodivergent children, young people (0-25), and their families across the East Midlands, with support available in-person, via video chat, or over the phone.

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre

Provides a wide range of counselling services, social groups, and support groups for the LGBTQ+ community in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

Derbyshire LGBT+

Offers support services for individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender, or those exploring their sexual or gender identity within Derbyshire.

You Deserve Support, Even Without a Plan

You don’t have to be in crisis to reach out. You don’t need to justify needing support. Whether you’re in a place of confusion, transition, or quiet questioning, therapy can offer a grounding space to reconnect with yourself and figure out your next step, one breath at a time.

✨ Let’s Talk  

• 💬 Book a free consultation

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need space to be you.