Some children are simply born more anxious and less able to cope with stress than others. Children can also pick up anxious behaviour from being around anxious people. Some children develop anxiety after stressful events, such as: frequently moving house or school.
In a new article published last week in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers from the Health Resources and Services Administration find that anxiety and depression among children ages 3-17 have increased over the last five years.
Why Is Anxiety So Common in America? What Changed? Unfortunately, no one seems to have an exact answer as to why anxiety is so common, but many attribute this presumed increase in anxiety disorders to factors such as social media, poor sleep habits, lowered stigma, and underreporting in the past.
About 11.6% of kids had anxiety in 2012, up 20% from 2007. But during the pandemic, those numbers nearly doubled, such that 20.5% of youth worldwide now struggle with anxiety symptoms, according to a meta-analysis of 29 studies reported in JAMA Pediatrics (Vol. 175, No. 11, 2021).
In Australia, one in 14 children and young people (4 -17 years) experience an anxiety disorder.
"There's this idea that kids will outgrow these problems [related to anxiety], but the evidence doesn't support that." Without treatment, childhood anxiety is likely to persist, negatively affecting a child's social and family functioning and overall quality of life.
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has little to no memory of a world without the internet, smartphones, and social media. Technology is a substantial part of their life. Being continually connected can also result in self-esteem issues and feeling pressure to conform.
Anxiety disorders (such as Social Phobia) are the most common type of disorder, affecting 1 in 6 (17%, or 3.3 million) Australians, followed by Affective disorders (such as Depressive Episode) (8%), and Substance Use disorders (such as Alcohol Dependence) (3. %).
More than two in five of the country's 68 million Gen Zers have a clinically-diagnosed mental health condition. Nine in 10 Gen Z adults diagnosed with mental health issues say they struggle specifically with anxiety.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns for children and adults, affecting upwards of 20% of children and adolescents over the lifespan. Anxious youth are often quiet and well behaved, and thus frequently go unnoticed by their parents, teachers, and coaches.
The peak ages for anxiety are typically between the ages of 5-7 years old and adolescence. However, everyone is different, and your anxiety can peak at various times, depending on what triggers it initially.
According to Cigna International Health's 2023 survey of almost 12,000 workers around the world, 91% of 18-to-24-year-olds report being stressed – compared to 84% on average. Research indicates Gen Z are emerging as the most stressed demographic in the workplace, and struggling mightily to cope.
Gen Z also faces an unprecedented behavioral health crisis: US Gen Zers surveyed by McKinsey report the least positive outlook and the highest prevalence of mental illness of any generation, and European respondents report struggling with self-stigma.
Students fear a lack of finances and fulfilment
The greatest fears for Generation Z centre on not achieving their hopes and dreams for the future.
As many as 1 in 7 Australians will experience depression in their lifetime, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. That's about 2.83 million people in today's numbers, so it's likely you know someone who is struggling, or perhaps you're experiencing symptoms yourself.
Mental illnesses can be covered by the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act. It is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their disability. There are some limited exceptions and exemptions.
anxiety disorders were the most commonly reported disorder for all young people overall (15%) followed by substance use disorders (13%) and affective disorders (6%). For more information, see Young Australians: their health and wellbeing 2011.
Gen Z has been called the 'most depressed generation' with the least positive outlook and diminished emotional and social well-being. They have more unmet social needs than any other generation. The statistics for their behavioural-health issues – mental and substance disorders – are alarming.
Kyle Peppers. A new report shows in 2022, nearly one in three Gen Zers are rating their mental health as “bad.” A nationwide study surveyed more than 1,000 people in the U.S. aged 18-24.
All work and no play makes Gen Z very dull. Young adults are feeling burned-out by the endless rise and grind of work, and they're starting to wonder what's the point of it all. A whopping 98% of young adults ages 18 to 24 are experiencing worker burnout, according to Cigna 360's Global Well-Being Survey 2022.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one form of therapy that is used to treat anxiety or depression, particularly in older children. It helps the child change negative thoughts into more positive, effective ways of thinking, leading to more effective behavior.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, a child with an anxiety disorder is at increased risk of engaging in dangerous behaviors. These include self-harm, substance abuse and bullying. "They develop negative coping strategies," Gilboa says.
A generation of narcissists
Baby boomers are living longer but not necessarily healthier. The Journal of the American Medical Association study reported lower activity levels, obesity, high cholesterol, and take more medication for diabetes and hypertension than previous generations.