Stigma By The Generations: Gen Z Mental Health Needs And Support Options
In recent years, the topic of mental health has been more prevalent than ever on social media, and Gen Z has often led the way in raising awareness. However, Gen Z still experiences stigma and barriers to receiving the mental health support they deserve. The reasons for stigma and lack of access can vary, even within the same generation. However, there tend to be some common themes surrounding mental health among Gen Zers. This article will discuss stigma related to mental health care among different generations and explain how Gen Zers and others can seek effective support.
Generation Z vs. Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials
Gen Z is often considered more open than other generations, such as the Baby Boomers, when it comes to talking about mental health. Gen Z has typically been more exposed to social media messaging about mental health than previous generations have. While this exposure may have made some young people more likely to broach the topic of mental health, social media posts about the subject sometimes seem to have a curated, perfected form of openness. Some Gen Zers may be open to making posts about stress or self-care, but they may feel hesitant to state that they have sought therapy, for example.
A caveat about generational differences
The tendencies within Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers don’t always hold true for everyone. People can be shaped by various factors beyond their age, such as culture, language, gender, religion, family, and individual personality differences. While it may be helpful to keep generational tendencies in mind, each person can have widely different attitudes toward mental health care and help-seeking behaviors.
Anxiety and Gen Z
In general, Gen Z seems to hold the opinion that mental health is important. Research shows that Gen Z tends to experience more mental health challenges than other generations do. One recent study on mental health stigma collected data from people across 23 countries. The following data from the study represents the likelihood of experiencing anxiety broken down by generation:
Mild to moderate anxiety:
- Gen Z: 56% globally (52% in the U.S.)
- Millennials: 50% globally (45% in the U.S.)
- Gen X: 42% globally (43% in the U.S.)
- Boomers: 26% globally (25% in the U.S.)
Severe anxiety:
- Gen Z: 19% globally (20% in the U.S.)
- Millennials: 14% globally (15% in the U.S.)
- Gen X: 10% globally (11% in the U.S.)
- Boomers: 4% globally (5% in the U.S.)
From this data, it can be seen that the likelihood of experiencing mild, moderate, and severe anxiety is highest for members of Gen Z, with Millennials and Gen X having slightly lower chances of experiencing anxiety. Meanwhile, the Baby Boomers appear to have a significantly lower likelihood of experiencing anxiety.
Gen Z Mental health crisis: A gap between belief and action
Despite engaging in mental health advocacy, many Gen Zers still experience stigma and hesitancy to seek mental health services. In the same study referenced above, 34% of Gen Z respondents reported not being completely forthright during therapy sessions. In addition, among respondents who had never attended therapy, 28% stated that they believed it would be a waste of money.
These figures demonstrate a gap between what young adults state regarding mental health support and what they do in practice when they experience mental health challenges. In some cases, the gap may be related to stigma surrounding mental health treatment. In the study mentioned above, 37% of Gen Z respondents stated that they believe people who seek therapy are "mentally weak.” This proportion was much higher than the 22% of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials combined who saw seeking therapy as a sign of mental weakness.
The social media mystery
Social media plays a powerful role in raising awareness about mental health and can help create more open, supportive conversations around the topic. However, excessive use may come with drawbacks. According to BetterHelp’s State of Stigma report, which surveyed over 16,000 people, individuals who spend four or more hours per day on social media are 57% more likely to believe that mental health care fails to improve well-being compared to those who don't use social media at all. Striking a healthy balance in social media use can support more positive, informed engagement with mental health content.
Overcoming barriers to care for Gen Z
Members of Gen Z may be hesitant to seek mental health care for numerous reasons. Research shows that 40% of Gen Zers cite cost as a barrier to seeking help, and 24% say they don’t know where to find the right therapist. While some people may receive support from friends, family, and online groups, these sources aren’t necessarily an adequate substitute for care from a licensed mental health professional.
Online therapy for Gen Z
Whether Gen Zers are concerned about cost or aren’t sure where to find professional support, online therapy can provide a viable solution. Online therapy tends to be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy without insurance, and online therapy platforms typically offer a wider range of therapists than what is available locally. For example, BetterHelp has a network of more than 35,000 licensed therapists worldwide, which can make it easier for Gen Zers to be matched with a therapist based on their personal preferences and needs.
Online therapy has received robust support in psychological literature. According to a 2017 study, online cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively treat a variety of mental disorders, including depression, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder.
Takeaway
While Gen Z tends to advocate for mental health care, research suggests that a stigma surrounding mental health persists among this generation. Some Gen Zers have also reported various barriers to receiving mental health care, including concerns about not being able to afford therapy and not being able to find the right therapist. In these cases, online therapy can be an affordable option that provides a vast selection of licensed mental health professionals. Whether you belong to Gen Z or not, know that compassionate, affordable care is available through online therapy.
What are the stigmas that Gen Z has about mental health?
Despite many members of the generation publicly stating that it’s important to seek help for mental health conditions, Gen Z still experiences stigma surrounding mental health. Some Gen Zers may think that seeking support is a sign of weakness, whereas others may believe that therapy isn’t likely to help them. Whatever the reason for the stigma, there are ways to help Gen Zers overcome it and receive the support they deserve.
How does social media affect Generation Z’s mental health and anxiety levels?
There are various hypotheses about why Gen Z tends to be more likely than other generations to experience poor mental health. One possibility is that social media constantly exposes Gen Z to social pressure. While older generations also experienced various forms of peer pressure and social comparison in their younger years, this was typically limited to school and in-person social interactions, given that social media didn’t yet exist (or was in its infancy, as was the case for many Millennials).
What’s causing the Gen Z mental health crisis?
The mental health crisis among Gen Z may be related to several factors. One possible cause may be near-constant exposure to news about climate change and political turmoil. The use of smartphones can make it difficult for Gen Z to get distance from the constant news cycle.
What generation has the worst anxiety?
Generation Z is sometimes referred to as “the anxious generation.” In one study published by the American Psychological Association (APA), 18% of Gen Zers reported having been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
How can Gen Z find support for mental health?
Gen Z can find support through numerous sources, including online or in-person groups. Those who desire individual therapy might consider online options, which tend to offer an extensive selection of therapists. Both Gen Zers and people from other generations can be matched with a therapist according to their preferences related to age, gender, culture, language, LGBTQIA+ identity, and therapeutic approach.
How is Gen Z shaping a new era of mental health care?
Gen Z seems to be shaping a new era of mental health care by being more open about mental illness and seeking help. It’s reported that around two in five Gen Zers attend therapy regularly.
What does Gen Z struggle with the most?
It’s often said that a youth mental health crisis is occurring. A variety of factors may play a role in the struggles Gen Z experiences, including concerns about the climate crisis, gun violence, mass shootings, systemic racism, and constant political updates on social media sites. Stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, persistent feelings of loneliness, and eating disorders are some of the concerns experienced by Gen Z.
What percent of Gen Z has anxiety?
One survey reported that, of young adults aged 18 to 25 that fall into Generation Z, 36% experienced anxiety. However, specific percentages vary depending on the source. In general, it can be said that a significant portion of people in the same age range associated with Gen Z struggle with anxiety symptoms.
What is Gen Z most stressed about?
Health and finance concerns are some of the most notable stressors for members of Gen Z, especially those who don’t have health insurance. While many members of Gen Z are in a life stage that tends to be inherently challenging (young adulthood), politics, isolation, and loneliness also contribute to mental health challenges. In the past decade, and especially since the pandemic began, it seems that stress and mental health concerns have worsened among all age groups.
What mental disorders do Gen Z have?
The most common mental health disorders among Gen Z are anxiety and depression, and the average young person tends to have high stress levels. According to adolescent psychiatry, this appears to be the case for many high school students as well.
It can be important to seek treatment for these concerns, as some individuals with untreated depression may end up attempting suicide. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a resources page that may be helpful for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
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