Mid-August in Utah is a time of rapid transition. Between the Wasatch Front and St. George, the sudden shift from summer to the back-to-school hustle often triggers a deeper, more existential stress for many of us.
We call it the “Utah Squeeze.” It’s that unique cultural pressure to have a picture-perfect family, a clear sense of purpose, and an unshakable identity within your community. As schedules tighten and expectations rise this season, the friction between the messy reality of being human and the pressure to make it all look effortless can lead to profound burnout, anxiety, or even an existential crisis.
Why “Just Venting” Isn’t Enough
If you are feeling the squeeze right now, you’ve probably noticed that simply venting about it isn’t enough to create lasting change.
At Liberated Mind Counseling and Health Center, our goal is to never over simplify, what some may articulate as: “just moving on” or suppressing your anxiety—often with distractions taking you Away from your values rather than Toward them. Relying on modern, evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Existential Psychotherapy, we want to help you build a life that is big enough to carry your struggles while still allowing you to find deep meaning and connection.
3 Ways to Reclaim Your Purpose This Season
Whether you are in the middle of a faith transition, facing a career change, or feeling the heavy weight of Utah’s cultural expectations, here is how you can use ACT principles to navigate this seasonal shift:
1. Untangle from the “Shoulds”
Utah culture is heavy with “shoulds,” what you should believe, what your career should look like, and how your family should operate. In ACT, we call this cognitive fusion. Practice noticing these overwhelming thoughts without letting them dictate your life. Remember, you are the expert on your life, we are here to walk alongside you as you work Toward a life driven by your values.
How “Should” Can Hurt You
- Guilt and Shame: Saying you “should” do something links your self-worth to a rigid standard. Missing the mark brings negative feelings instead of growth.
- External Pressure: Most “shoulds” come from what society, family, or friends expect. They do not come from your true inner needs.
- Loss of Control: Using this word makes you feel forced to act. It replaces your personal power with obligation.
How to Change the Habit
- Notice the Word: Catch yourself when you say “I should” or “I shouldn’t”.
- Switch Your Words: Change “I should” to “I choose to” or “I want to”. This puts you back in charge.
- By implication, when you replace should with choose or want ask yourself: do I really want this?
- Ask Why: Find out if the rule is yours or someone else’s. If it does not match your core values, let it go.
2. Make Space for the Discomfort
Life transitions are inherently uncomfortable. Instead of trying to force away the anxiety of a shifting season, practice mindfulness by opening up in acceptance to the present moment. Fighting the anxiety of a transition often causes more exhaustion than the transition itself.
3. Anchor to Your Authentic Values
When the cultural noise gets too loud, return to what you actually care about. True liberation means making decisions that are aligned with your personal values, rather than choices driven by people-pleasing, childhood trauma, or perfectionism.
Find Liberation in Utah
You don’t have to stay in your stuck place. Whether you want to navigate through a current existential crisis, heal a relationship struggle, or just find a sense of authentic joy again, healing and flourishing can be your experience.
Liberated Mind Counseling and Health Center provides individual, couples, and family therapy in Utah. With primary locations in Salt Lake City and St. George, we also provide secure telehealth across the entire state.
Take the first step toward living a life that reflects who you truly are.
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This post does not constitute therapeutic counseling or advice; the contents of this post are provided as a learning resource. We share the contents hoping that if you are in need of mental health support you will reach out to us directly or to a mental health professional in your area.
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