Gen Z is well-documented to be the generation with the highest incidence of mental health struggles and is known by many as “the anxious generation.” Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health diagnosis among Gen Z per a 2022 study; a new report by Harmony Healthcare IT is documenting the extent to which anxious Gen Zers struggle to cope and how they’re coping. It found that mood disorder affects over half of Gen Zers with anxiety daily, with 1 in 3 resorting to medication.
What’s making this generation so anxious? While some may point towards too much coffee or vaping, it goes deeper than that. For anxious Gen Zers, the top causes of their anxiety in 2023 include concerns about the future, financial stress, work, social activities, and relationships. Over half (54%) say 2023 has made their anxiety worse- no shock, considering the cost of living increases have made everything from tipping costs to energy bills feel steeper than usual.
Despite the widespread experience of anxiety, many Gen Z individuals feel isolated, with less than half believing that others empathize with their struggles, particularly their parents, coworkers, and extended family. Over 1 in 3 say their parents don’t understand their struggles; this increases to 46% for the general public. While it’s easier than ever to discuss anxiety with the normalization of therapy and a broader public understanding of mood disorders, clearly, there is still work to be done in fostering empathy from the broader public. In fact, a separate study cited mental health struggles as the reason nearly 1 in 3 Gen Z and Millennials ghost, which is when people stop communicating to end a relationship.
In coping with anxiety, many Gen Zers turn to unhealthy eating (41%), substances like cannabis (36%) and alcohol (32%), and, paradoxically, excessive phone use. While 37% say their phones often interfere with daily life, they also serve as a source of distraction through social media or doomscrolling, the most popular coping mechanism for anxious Gen Zers– 54% doomscroll when they’re anxious. Then again, 91% sleep with their phone within arm’s reach, and over 1 in 5 demonstrate symptoms of panic if they can’t use their phone. Positive coping mechanisms include the aforementioned medication, which is used by almost a third of those with anxiety, along with activities like walking, creative expression, and therapy. For those who do take medication, treatment starts at an average age of 19, and over 4 in 5 take daily medication. Ironically, nearly 1 in 4 worry about affording their medication, adding to their anxiety.
While the holidays are a cherished time of reconnection and nostalgia for many, they also sport their own subset of anxiety triggers. For 1 in 2, holidays exacerbate anxiety, primarily due to financial pressures, social gatherings, and family get-togethers. Many Gen Zers overeat or drink more during this time; roughly 1 in 4 are already planning on skipping some festivities due to anxiety.
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While only 61% of the Gen Zers who identified as having anxiety have an official diagnosis, that doesn’t mean their anxiety is trivial. 53% are seeking professional help, and 43% manage panic attacks monthly or more. Here’s hoping 2024 might be less anxiety-inducing for all, but especially Gen Z.
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