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Impact of Mental Health Issues on Generation Z
A recent study revealed that 42 percent of individuals belonging to Generation Z, born between 1990 and 2010, have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. The prevalent diagnoses include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. Furthermore, twenty percent of them have sought therapy, and sixty percent are currently taking medication.
When asked about the source of their mental health issues, Gen Zers identified various factors including the pandemic, fear of the future, finances, the economy, politics, the environment, violence, and work issues.
Comparison with Previous Generations
With the exception of the pandemic, all of these concerns have existed in previous generations. However, only a fraction of the population in those generations was diagnosed with mental health issues. Additionally, apart from the Greatest Generation (1901-1927) and the Silent Generation (1928-1945), all other American generations are still alive in significant numbers. They experienced a similar world as Gen Zers but did not experience mental health issues on the same scale.
One of the frequently cited reasons for the higher frequency of mental illness diagnoses among Gen Z is their increased willingness to discuss mental health issues.
Contributing Factors to Mental Health Issues in Generation Z
Many experts believe that a breakdown of traditional values and the decline of marriage contribute to Gen Z’s mental health issues. In previous generations, kids talked to their mom about certain things, and their dad about others. About a third of Gen Z were born to single women, and 25% grew up in single-parent homes.
Ninety percent of individuals in Generation Z view cohabitation outside of marriage as acceptable, whereas only 35% consider single parenting to have a negative impact on society.
Shift in Life Experiences
As for life experiences that were once considered crucial to adolescent development, previous generations had jobs during their teenage years, whereas only 58% of Gen Zers do. Less than half of Gen Zers participated in organized sports or outdoor activities. Seventy percent played video games.
Previous generations had several sources of advice and life lessons to turn to. They had siblings, as well as both a mother and a father, who were of differing genders. They received moral and spiritual guidance from religious leaders such as reverends, priests, and rabbis. Additionally, they had Boy Scout leaders, coaches, and friends they interacted with face-to-face.
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