Life has become heavier. It’s not just one issue, but many at once. Rising living costs, housing pressure, severe weather events, climate catastrophe, global instability, stretched health systems, and the everyday demands of work and family life; the list goes on. It feels harder to just get on with it.
This overlapping strain has a new term: polycrisis. It refers to a time when multiple challenges interact and amplify each other. It’s not an abstract idea. It shows up in grocery bills that climb faster than wages, insurance premiums after extreme weather, or the mental load of juggling responsibilities in an uncertain world.
The World Happiness Report 2026 showed a continued decline in happiness among 15 to 24-year-old New Zealanders over the last decade. In part, being bombarded with many crises at once on digital feeds is one culprit.
“Why is it problematic that our young people’s happiness is declining? Because it points to a broader structural shift in how young people are living, connecting, and experiencing the world,” says AUT Associate Professor Stephanie Rossouw. “If these trends continue, they may have long-term implications not just for individual well-being, but for productivity, social cohesion, and the resilience of our communities.”
Youth aren’t the only ones facing polycrisis, of course. One of the hardest parts of living through a polycrisis is the sense of isolation it can create. When stress builds gradually, people often assume they’re the only ones struggling to keep up. But the reality is quite different. Talk to friends, neighbours, or colleagues, and a common thread quickly appears: many are feeling stretched, tired, and unsure about what comes next.
“If you’ve been feeling confused and as though everything is impacting on you all at the same time, this is not a personal, private experience,” historian Adam Tooze said on Radio Davos, the World Economic Forum. “This is actually a collective experience.”
We’re all facing the same issue of many issues, yet tend to take on this stress alone. Understanding this shared experience matters. When challenges are widespread, they are not personal failures but systemic pressures. Recognising that can ease some of the internal pressure people place on themselves.
At the same time, it’s important not to dismiss the very real impact these pressures have. Financial stress can affect mental health. Constant uncertainty can make planning for the future feel daunting. And when multiple stressors hit at once, even small setbacks can feel overwhelming.
“The key things for me are economics, politics, geopolitics, and then the natural environment blowing back at us. And those four things, they don’t reduce to a single common denominator. They don’t reduce to a single factor,” Tooze said. “The polycrisis term has a real utility descriptively, because it’s arm-waving. It’s going, ‘Look, there’s a lot of stuff happening here all at once’. And that precisely is what we’re trying to wrap our minds around.”
Navigating polycrisis
So how do people navigate life in a polycrisis? First, by focusing on what can be controlled. While global events and economic shifts may be beyond individual influence, small, practical actions can still make a meaningful difference. That might mean setting clearer financial boundaries, simplifying commitments, or prioritising rest and recovery where possible.
Second, by strengthening connections. Community has always been a core Kiwi strength, especially in times of challenge. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbour, sharing resources, or simply having honest conversations, connection reduces the sense of carrying everything alone.
Third, by adjusting expectations. Many people are still operating with outdated benchmarks for success or stability, benchmarks that were shaped in very different economic and social conditions. Letting go of the idea that everything should feel on track can create space for more realistic, compassionate thinking.
For those feeling overwhelmed, reaching out is a practical and important step. Whether it’s talking to a trusted friend, a health professional, or a local support service, connection can provide both relief and perspective. The idea of a polycrisis can sound daunting, but it also reflects something deeply human: we are all navigating this together. While each person’s situation is unique, the broader experience is shared. When we all talk openly about these pressures, they’re in part alleviated. You’re not alone!
