The Generational Divide On Mental Health: Views Of Younger Vs. Older Generations
Mental health has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Since 2021, there has been a steady increase in treatment-seeking behavior, with more and more individuals turning to therapy for support. However, this is not the case for every age group, as perceptions and attitudes towards seeking help vary significantly across generations. Here, we’ll examine some of these generational differences in how mental illnesses and mental health care are viewed.
The importance of conversations about mental health care
As a society, openly discussing the topic of mental health can be important. It can increase mental health awareness, which may encourage help-seeking behaviors, reduce stigma, and strengthen connections in turn.
That said, people may face barriers to freely speaking about mental health. The way individuals perceive this topic and their preferences about it is often shaped by their past experiences, their culture, their age, their gender, and other factors.
The potential effects of open conversations on mental health topics
When there is open dialogue surrounding mental health, individuals in the community may be more likely to approach each other with understanding and compassion rather than judgment. Open dialogue can also help increase awareness, which may lead to earlier detection and intervention for various mental health concerns, improving treatment outcomes.
Exploring the generational divide on mental health: the origins of stigma for older generations
In the early 1900s, the primary response to individuals with a mental illness was institutionalization. These institutions were more focused on containment than treatment, since perceptions around mental health challenges were largely negative. People with a mental illness were widely seen as weak or even sinful.
Over time, due to the mental health advocacy efforts of individuals and organizations, perceptions around mental health slowly began to change. In the mid-late 1900s, new therapies and medications were discovered to help people experiencing mental health struggles. More people began to understand the truth: that mental health affects everyone, and that individuals with a mental illness deserve compassion and support.
The lingering effects of mental health stigma on Baby Boomers
Baby Boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—grew up in a time when mental health stigma was still very present. Mental health challenges were rarely discussed openly, and seeking therapy was widely viewed as a sign of weakness. These cultural experiences may provide context for why older generations are often more hesitant to reach out for help, even today.
The generational divide on mental health literacy in older generations like Baby Boomers
For older age groups in particular, mental health literacy, or knowledge and beliefs about topics related to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being, is also not as widespread. This may be due to lingering stigma from an individual's upbringing or trouble using technology to engage with this information online.
An example of the widespread lack of mental health literacy is an older study that indicates that many people consider dementia and depression normal parts of aging—which is not true. This type of belief may prevent individuals from seeking medical or mental health treatment for challenges like these.
Generation Z and mental health
Generation Z (Gen Z), or those born between 1997 and 2012, is often at the forefront of discussions around mental health. Mental health is a more central topic in society today. Social media and digital connectivity likely play a large role, as many online communities encourage open conversations and resource sharing in regards to mental health. Studies also suggest that nearly two out of five Gen Z individuals attend therapy regularly.
Stigma among Generation Z individuals
That said, mental health stigma is still present today. For example, according to BetterHelp’s 2025 State of Stigma report, 37% of Gen Z report believing that people who seek therapy are “mentally weak.”
There is also the question of how engaged Gen Z individuals are in therapy sessions. A therapist relies on the client being open and honest during appointments so that they can provide them with treatment tools, self-care strategies, and individual guidance. However, the same report suggests that up to 34% of Gen Z respondents admit to not being fully forthcoming with their therapist—perhaps due to stigma and fear of judgment. These statistics indicate that while the language around mental health has changed, there may still be some lingering negative beliefs around therapy and other help-seeking behaviors.
How Gen Z is leading the conversation on social media
Social media continues to play a role in raising mental health awareness and improving mental health literacy. There are now spaces on platforms like TikTok and Instagram where users can share their experiences and receive support and suggestions for resources. In addition, hashtag movements like #mentalhealthawareness and #therapyisnormal continue aiming to dismantle stigma through these platforms.
The social media paradox
While social media can offer potential benefits in terms of reducing mental health stigma, there are some caveats. For example, a 2022 literature review suggests that excessive use of social media can be correlated with depression and other mental health disorders.
Also, the BetterHelp State of Stigma report mentioned above indicates that people who spend four or more hours a day on social media may be more likely to believe that mental health support, care, treatment are not beneficial.
Statistics like these point to the need for more balanced social media use in order to promote improved mental health and mental health attitudes.
Ways to bridge the gap between younger and older generations
Bridging the gap between generations in terms of mental health will likely require compassion, education, and an open dialogue. As well as understanding the historical context behind mental health stigma and negative perceptions, it can be helpful to meet each individual where they’re at, which may foster a more compassionate culture.
Some other strategies to help bridge the generational gap on mental health attitudes include:
- Encouraging intergenerational conversations about mental health across age groups to gain a deeper understanding of one another
- Educating and raising awareness about mental health in schools, workplaces, churches, and neighborhoods
- Sharing stories of healing and recovery to show that seeking mental health care is a sign of strength that can have a meaningful impact on a person’s life
- Using inclusive language that respects each individual's culture and lived experience
Removing barriers to health services
Research suggests that the percentage of adults seeking therapy decreases with age. By reducing stigma, cost, and other common barriers to receiving mental health services, multiple generations may be able to benefit from compassionate care. Below are a few common barriers to care:
- Cost. If therapy isn’t fully covered by insurance or an individual doesn’t have insurance, cost can be a concern for individuals of all ages.
- Time. Especially for in-person therapy, attending sessions while juggling work, caregiving, and other daily responsibilities can be difficult.
- Stigma. Fear of judgment from friends and colleagues can sometimes prevent people from seeking support.
- Lack of availability. In certain areas—especially rural parts of the country or communities of color—finding in-person therapists and healthcare providers can be challenging.
BetterHelp currently accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers. Get started today.
Improving availability of care through online health services
When it comes to seeking therapy, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may remove some of the common barriers. With flexible scheduling, fees lower than those for most in-person appointments without insurance, and connection to a pool of over 30,000 licensed therapists worldwide, individuals from various backgrounds can seek compassionate care virtually. Online therapy can benefit younger generations, who often feel more comfortable in online environments, as well as older generations, who may not be able to commute to in-person appointments as easily.
The research on online mental health care
A growing body of research indicates that, in many cases, online therapy can be as effective as in-person care. For example, consider a 2023 study which suggests that online cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance quality of life for adults living with depression.
Takeaway
How do different generations perceive mental health?
While each individual has their own perspective on mental health, there are some overarching generational differences and differing perspectives on the topic. According to a 2022 review, younger generations tend to have higher levels of mental health literacy, while older generations may be more likely to perpetuate stigma related to mental health concerns. Young people also seem to be more comfortable seeking mental health support online.
How does Gen Z view mental health?
Members of Gen Z tend to be more open about their mental health than previous generations, such as Gen X and the Silent Generation. They also tend to be more open to accessing mental health resources like therapy. Generation Z’s openness seems to reflect significant cultural shifts in our rapidly evolving world.
Rapid technological change has led to less of a need for face-to-face communication and greater acceptance of options like virtual therapy, and societal norms have shifted to allow more widespread conversations about mental well-being. Today, it’s much simpler than it was even a decade ago to find accurate information about topics like eating disorders, risk factors for mental illness, and how to foster good mental health in younger children as a parent.
What generation cares most about mental health?
It’s believed that Gen Z tends to be the most open to seeking professional emotional support. In addition, Gen Z and Millennials reportedly experience more mental health challenges than other generations.
What is the intergenerational mental health stigma?
Intergenerational mental health stigma typically refers to negative beliefs about mental health struggles that are passed from generation to generation. Stigma can also be perpetuated within cultures and other groups.
Why do older generations not believe in mental health?
In many cases, people in older generations have different views on mental health than younger generations due to the way they were raised and the beliefs that were passed down to them. However, many members of older generations are fostering open communication about mental health topics like low self-esteem, the difficulties of caring for aging parents, depression, and more.
How do Baby Boomers view mental health?
Although each Baby Boomer is an individual with their own beliefs, Baby Boomers generally grew up during a time when people did not discuss mental health openly. Many of them tend to believe people should keep their personal lives and struggles hidden, and they may view mental illness as a sign of weakness.
What is Gen Z struggling with the most?
Some of the most significant struggles for members of Gen Z include anxiety, stress, depression, and financial concerns. Many Gen Zers worry about their future prospects and whether they will ever be able to afford a home and provide for a family.
Why do Millennials struggle with mental health?
It’s thought that some of the reason that Millennials struggle with mental health is related to the birth and proliferation of social media. In addition, social, political, and financial shifts in the broader culture may be impacting Millennials’ mental health.
When did mental health become less stigmatized?
While there is still a stigma related to mental health, it seems to have gradually decreased over the past two decades. It’s possible that the self-help movement and greater access to accurate information about mental health have played a role in decreasing the stigma.
Which generation has the most mental illness?
Research suggests that Generation Z tends to have the most mental illness. For example, in a 2019 survey, 27% of Gen Z participants reported that their mental health was “fair” or “poor.” However, Gen Z also tends to be more open to seeking help.
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