Generation Z or Gen Z refers to individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. Gen Z as a generation is seen to be extremely bold and unafraid, accepting and accommodating towards mental health struggles, prioritizing mental wellness and self-care and destigmatizing mental health issues.
You’ll always find members of Gen Z having an open conversation about a mental health related issue or struggle, discussing it with their friends or peers, journaling about it and keeping true to mental health care tips and strategies.
Gen Z Mental Health Statistics
Let’s look at some of the issues that Gen Z do face. Anxiety and depression statistics seem to be the highest among Gen Z and further suicide rates have also been increasing of late in recent years. Gen Z members reported the following (McKinsey & Company Healthcare Survey, 2022):
- Higher rates of anxiety, depression and distress than any other age group
- Least positive outlook as compared to other generations
- Lower levels of emotional and social well-being than older generations
- More likely to report having been diagnosed with a mental health condition or substance use disorder
- More unmet social needs than older generations (include income, employment, education, food, housing, transportation, safety or social support) which are associated with mental health conditions
- Less concerned with engaging in health care
- Biggest barrier faced in accessing mental health care is financial
- Most dissatisfied with healthcare and professional help received
- Heavier reliance on emergency care, social media and digital tools when seeking help
- Gen Z users make up nearly three quarters of crisis text line users’
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 32% of adolescents aged 13-18 have an anxiety disorder, while 13.3% have experienced at least one major depressive episode.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-24, with rates highest among older adolescents and young adults.
Research suggests that excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and social comparison on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat can contribute to feelings of loneliness, low self-esteem, and depression.
Gen Z Mental Health Crisis
Mental health crises are particularly prevalent among Gen Z college students. According to the American College Health Association, over 60% of college students report experiencing overwhelming anxiety, while nearly 40% report symptoms of depression severe enough to impact their academic performance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for Gen Z, leading to increased feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and distress. Studies have shown higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among young people during the pandemic.
Gen Z and Mental Health Awareness
However, despite the challenges they face, Gen Z is driving conversations about mental health awareness and de-stigmatization. The one thing you can count on this generation is to have an open conversation about mental health issues. As compared to older generations, there is less stigmatization among the members of gen Z, you can find them driving social media campaigns and protests for the same.
Further, as stated above, Gen Zers do not wish to engage as much as other generations in professional help and mental healthcare assistance, majorly due to financial reasons. They are reportedly unable to afford therapists even with their insurance.
Hence, access to mental health services remains a challenge for many Gen Z individuals. Barriers such as cost, lack of insurance coverage, and limited availability of providers is not only demotivating but also discourages and limits them from getting professional help.
Gen Z and Mental Health: A Different Perspective
It is evident that mental health concerns are particularly prevalent among Generation Z, however, the environment they are growing up in and the way the world is shaping, it’s important to remember that the collective hopelessness among them might just be a response to circumstances and not just a symptom of a mental health disorder.
“Do I have depression or am I responding appropriately to my environment?” is a quote that opens up a conversation surrounding a disregard to circumstantial, societal or environmental factors leading to poorer quality of life, distress and poorer mental health.
The Covid lockdown, the wars, social conflicts, racial discrimination, unrest in society, increasing cost of living, climate crisis, financial crisis and recession, prejudice and social pressures, the disconnect in the modern world are all potential reasons.
It’s important to remind a generation growing up in this world supposedly going downhill that not every burden is on their shoulder and to only take one step at a time and focus on things that they can control at an individual level. Having a support network is a major key factor that helps in dealing with issues.A major effort is needed to provide accessible and affordable mental health care to members of the Generation Z. The statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and resources to address the mental health crisis facing this generation. A collaborated effort would be required by mental health care providers, authorities and institutions, policy makers, government organizations and communities. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering open conversations about mental health, society can better support the well-being of Generation Z and future generations.
At North American Behavioral Health Services, we provide affordable mental health care to Gen-Z. The services are also covered by insurance, removing the cost barriers for Gen-Z. Leaving a whole section of society from receiving proper mental health care because of lack of support of funds is unfair. Hence, at NABHS, we take pride in the work we do and ensure that each section of society get to the correct and affordable rehab center or mental health professional.
