Why Gen Z’s Mental Health Crisis Demands Our Attention

Understanding Gen Z's Struggles: A Call for Action in a Challenging World

The statistics are startling: 90% of Gen Z report feeling stressed, 88% lonely, 89% lost, and 36% have experienced suicidal thoughts. ?????? These numbers paint a grim picture of a generation grappling with profound challenges. But these figures are not just alarming—they are a wake-up call for leaders, educators, and society as a whole.

How does a generation tasked with fixing the world’s problems survive in a world that feels increasingly broken?

Gen Z is growing up in an increasingly complex and demanding world. They face immense pressures academically, socially, and professionally, compounded by global crises and the pervasive influence of social media. ?????? When they speak up or ask for help, they are often unfairly labeled as weak or entitled, which only deepens their struggles.

To truly understand and address this crisis, we need to explore the underlying causes and identify actionable ways to create environments where Gen Z can thrive—not just survive. ??????

“My generation suffers from depression, anxiety, stress, and inferiority. Young people are afraid of not being a prodigy, fearful of not excelling, anxious of being vulnerable, stressed because of social norms, depressed because they are constantly pushed and are not being heard by those who should’ve listened, feeling inferior to others because they seem to have their life figured out.” - Gen Z

The Challenges Gen Z Faces

“Young people are bombarded with messages through the media and popular culture that erode their sense of self-worth – telling them they are not good-looking enough, popular enough, smart enough or rich enough. That comes as progress on legitimate, and distressing, issues like climate change, income inequality, racial injustice, the opioid epidemic and gun violence feels too slow” - Dr. Vivek H. Murthy - U.S. Surgeon General

1. Mental Health Awareness vs. Stigma

While mental health awareness has improved, reducing stigma remains a significant hurdle. ?????? Gen Z is more open about discussing mental health compared to older generations, but cultural and societal norms often discourage vulnerability. In environments where resilience is prized, admitting struggles can still be seen as a sign of weakness. As one young person put it, “We are afraid of not excelling, anxious about being vulnerable, and depressed because we’re constantly pushed without being heard.”

"We fear there will be an increased workload, increased inflation rate, but a stagnated pay. In a society where tax rates are increasing, and the rate of growth of starting pay for fresh graduates is lower than inflation, we worry about our future. Imagine studying for the first 25 years of your life, only to receive basic pay, insufficient to sustain yourself, for the next 10 years” - Gen Z

2. Immense Pressures

The world has become more competitive and uncertain, with rising education costs, job instability, and the constant need to upskill. ?????? These factors weigh heavily on young people trying to establish their footing. The pressure to excel academically, professionally, and socially creates a perfect storm of stress.

“We live in a world where the job market demands high skills, there is high expectations for what we accomplished in school when in reality we didn’t even have the time to figure out what we wanted or what we excelled at because of high demands. The education system asked us to be a prodigy, to excel at everything, to be the impossible, to all be equally perfect, but in reality are just humans each with different interests and skills.” - Gen Z

3. The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Social media offers connection but also fosters constant comparison. ??????? Gen Z is exposed to hyper-curated versions of other people’s lives, along with toxic content, bullying, and an overwhelming stream of global crises. Climate change, economic instability, and political unrest all contribute to a sense of hopelessness and anxiety.

4. Breaking Support Systems

Traditional community ties and family structures have weakened, leaving many young people feeling isolated. ?????? Even in workplaces and schools, where connections should flourish, they often feel unheard or unsupported.

5. Worry About the World

Gen Z is deeply concerned about global issues like climate change, wars, and social injustices, often feeling insignificant or powerless to enact change in the face of systemic challenges. ?????? These worries are compounded by their ethical consumerism and insistence on aligning actions with their values.

“It is na?ve to assume any individual or conglomerate can avoid at least some form of social responsibility. I believe commitment to social causes to be an absolute necessity in order to sustain society and right the wrongs that past generations have enabled. In this day and age, it is almost impossible to be apolitical unless you come from a background of extreme privilege. The personal is, after all, political” - Gen Z

What Can We Do?

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, with efforts from individuals, organizations, and society at large. ???????

1. Normalize Mental Health Care

We need to make it okay to talk about struggles and seek help—whether at school, work, or home. ?????? This includes reducing stigma, increasing access to resources, and ensuring mental health care is part of the standard workplace and educational experience, not just a "bonus."

2. Rethink Education and Training

Education systems must evolve to teach resilience, stress management, and emotional intelligence alongside academics. ?????? Preparing young people for life—not just exams—is critical. Organizations can also integrate mental health training into professional development programs to equip employees with the tools to thrive.

3. Encourage Healthy Digital Habits

Social media habits need a reset. ?????? Promoting digital detoxes, encouraging positive content, and holding platforms accountable for harmful material can help mitigate its negative effects. Teaching Gen Z how to balance their digital and offline lives is essential.

4. Rebuild Community and Connection

Young people need spaces to connect offline, whether through hobbies, volunteering, or mentorship programs. ?????? Intergenerational relationships can be particularly powerful, blending the wisdom of older generations with Gen Z’s fresh perspectives. These connections can provide the support and guidance they’re often missing.

5. Empower Action Through Purpose

Help them feel part of the solution by involving them in impactful initiatives. ????? Actively listen to their ideas and guide them in turning concerns into actionable steps. Reinforce their belief in purpose-driven actions to channel their energy positively.

6. Address Systemic Issues

Systemic challenges like job instability, unaffordable housing, and inadequate healthcare must be tackled to restore hope. ?????? Climate action and solutions to other global crises can also demonstrate that the future isn’t as bleak as it sometimes seems.

“My generation’s biggest concern regarding the future is if it will even exist. And if yes, how long will the peace last? Will the ice caps melt further? Will it become too hot to breathe? Will there be sufficient space for all of us and our children? Will our jobs be taken over by artificial intelligence? There’s a lot of insecurity and vagueness. In the past, the normal progression of life was to study, grow up, find a job, and retire. Now we’re scared of what’s to come.” - Gen Z

7. Make a Genuine Effort to Understand Them (and Help Them Understand You)

Building bridges requires empathy and communication. ?????? Take the time to understand Gen Z’s perspectives, concerns, and values. Equally important, share your own experiences and insights to foster mutual understanding. This two-way dialogue can create stronger connections and more collaborative solutions.

A Generation Worth Investing In

At their core, Gen Z is a generation of pragmatic idealists, driven by purpose and the desire to fix what’s broken in the world. ?????? They bring creativity, urgency, and a belief in the power of collective intelligence to everything they do. But to harness their potential, we must first address the mental health challenges holding them back.

“My hope is to see the brilliant young leaders we work with today emerge in positions of power. Where they are really calling the shots. I look at the young people we work with around the world and I just imagine that they will become the leaders of the G20, then they can lay me down and carry me away because then my work is done. Because once they are there leading companies and governments the world will be a better place! It’s not advice, but certainly a call to action.” - Kate Robertson - Founder One Young World

By normalizing mental health care, fostering connection, and creating environments where they feel supported and valued, we can empower Gen Z to thrive. ?????? It’s not just about helping them survive—it’s about unlocking their ability to lead us into a better future.

How can we, as leaders, educators, and peers, support this generation in navigating these challenges? Let’s start the conversation?

?? ?? A Gen Z recently told me that the words of the song "Carry On While the World Burns" by English comedy singer Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq. sums up how many feel about the current state of the world. ?????? I encourage you to listen to the lyrics—they offer a sharp, witty reflection on the absurdity of our inaction and the urgency to change.

?? ??https://open.spotify.com/track/14jWGdYL6gToJJowfPiENS?si=0iBZGAD6R-64aqoZZ3g47w