Gen Zers and millennials are more likely than other generations to say social media affects their mental health. Studies of young adults and their social media use have shown an inverse relationship between screen time and psychological well-being, 1. with higher utilization associated with poorer well-being.
Generation Z (or Gen Z or Zoomers), the generation that succeeds Generation Y (or Gen Y or millennials), is currently more aware of mental health than any other generation. While this sounds like good news, there are negative aspects as well.
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.
Gen Zs are growing up and coming of age in a time of heightened stress and anxiety. From violence and terrorism to a global pandemic, Zoomers have dealt with significant issues in a relatively short period of time.
In our sample, Gen Z respondents were more likely to report having been diagnosed with a behavioral-health condition (for example, mental or substance use disorder) than either Gen Xers or baby boomers.
Gen Z (42%) is about twice as likely as Americans over 25 (23%) to battle depression and feelings of hopelessness.
Results from a recent Australian National Youth Mental Health Survey taken in 2020 -2021 showed Gen Zer's are reporting the highest rates of anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, loneliness, unemployment, housing stress, educational disruption, eating disorders, substance abuse, and social anxiety, in history.
Here's what companies can do about it. In a survey by the Alexandria, Virginia-based nonprofit, 47% of Gen Z workers reported experiencing stress related to their job at least once per week, compared to 27% of Baby Boomers.
Social media use is high for Gen Zs, and rose during the socially-isolated periods, because it was the only way to stay connected. And studies are finding that increased use of social media can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, poor body image and loneliness.
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.
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.
The biggest mental health issue Gen Z deals with is anxiety. Nine out of ten Gen Z with diagnosed mental health conditions struggle with anxiety, and nearly eight out of ten (78%) are battling depression. Other mental health conditions the generation faces are ADHD (27%), PTSD (20%), and OCD (17%).
Gen-Z cares deeply about the work they do and the difference it's having in the world. Empathy and open communication are also critical. Honesty about progress toward goals helps Gen-Z know they're part of the team and galvanizes them to action.
Over 40% of Gen Zers have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Gen Zers have conflicting opinions when it comes to social media's impact on their mental health. Some Gen Zers will step away from social media when it becomes overwhelming. Gen Zers are more likely than other generations to seek therapy.
That perhaps has to do with the fact that the youngest generation in the workforce have only just entered it and are therefore more likely to hold entry-level positions. Mental health aspects may also be at play. According to the Mental Health Million Project, Gen Z has the lowest rates of overall mental wellness.
According to a Psychology Today article, the leading three reasons for Gen Z's loneliness include overstimulation, social media and a dependency shift. Overstimulation suggests we bite off more than we can chew. People are distracted by work, chores, progress, social media, and the activities of today and tomorrow.
Gen Z is also the smartest and best educated generation. Having an unlimited wealth of information at our disposal has not gone to waste. In America, 57 percent of Gen Z is reported to have enrolled in a two-year or four-year college, compared to 52 percent of Millenials and 43 percent of Gen X.
Managers said they struggle with Generation Z workers for other reasons: Lack of motivation. Lack of productivity. Poor communication skills. Short attention span.
Gen Z workers, aged between 18 and 26, make up about 35% of those wanting to quit, while millennials (aged 27 to 42) are another 31%. The common reason cited by 44% of the workers considering quitting their jobs is overwork.
The average age of onset for major depressive disorder is between 35 and 40 years of age. Onset in early adulthood may be linked with more depressive episodes, a longer duration of illness, and therefore a more difficult clinical course.
Like millennials, Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012), are more likely to prioritize eating healthy and getting regular exercise, however, they also prioritize their mental health and managing stress.
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. %).
an estimated 1 in 4 (26% or 671,100) experienced at least 1 mental disorder in the preceding 12 months. anxiety disorders were the most commonly reported disorder for all young people overall (15%) followed by substance use disorders (13%) and affective disorders (6%).