Gen Z Therapy: A Focus on Mental Health for a New Generation

Born with technology at their fingertips, Generation Z is more vulnerable to mental illness than previous generations—and considering today’s 24/7, always-on digital culture, it’s not hard to see why. According to a 2018 survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, only 45 percent of Gen Zers say their mental health is good or very good. Meanwhile, 91 percent of Gen Zers reported experiencing physical or emotional symptoms related to stress and mental illness in the past year.

Fortunately, Gen Z is also the most likely to seek mental health care. Young people talk about and advocate for treating mental illness more than in previous eras. More people share their stories on social media, combat mental health stigma, and openly seek therapy. Even though Gen Zers are under immense stress, many are working to find mental health resources to cope.

If you’re feeling stuck, judged, or under immense pressure, you’re not alone. Generation Z is facing unprecedented mental health struggles. After all, we’re living in an age of instant information, external validation, and incredible pressure to succeed. Gen Z therapy can help you take control of your mental health, cope with life’s stressors, and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Common Reasons Gen Zers Seek Mental Health Services

In a society that feels so fast-paced and judgmental, it’s completely normal to experience mental health struggles. Especially when older generations tend to portray young people like Generation Z in a particular light, it’s easy to start believing negative Gen Z and millennial stereotypes. On top of living in a culture that seems to push Gen Z mental health concerns to the side, countless other challenges are facing Generation Z, including the following:

• Technological isolation and loneliness. Gen Z is often considered the loneliest generation. More people, especially young people, spend less time interacting in person and more time using social media. Unfortunately, social media doesn’t satisfy the meaningful in-person connections our brains are hungry for most of the time.
• Stress surrounding current events. From climate change and the political climate to school shootings, today’s current events are enough to cause anyone stress. Young people feel the impact of the news, especially those issues that feel beyond their control. Sometimes, it can feel like the world is getting worse instead of better.
• Anxiety and uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic took a serious toll on Gen Z’s mental health. According to the CDC, one in four 18- to 24-year-olds considered self-harm during the pandemic—and more than half reported negative mental health symptoms. Generation Z’s best years came to a halt as school life shifted to online learning, making it harder for young adults to live a “normal” life. Most importantly, many people lost parents, grandparents, family members, and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to deal with the grief of those losses.
• Racial disparities. In addition to all the mental health struggles Gen Zers experience, race is another issue. People of color, especially Black people, face an incredible amount of stress and racial trauma due to the countless challenges racism presents.

Personalized, Data-Driven Gen Z Therapy

Whether you’re feeling weighed down by chronic stress or overwhelmed at the idea of choosing a career path, therapy can help. Therapy is all about providing a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, develop healthier habits, and prioritize your mental health. It can help you learn more about yourself as an individual while taking steps toward a more meaningful life.

To find a therapist, reach out to a mental health professional through the Therapy Group of NYC. We know that starting therapy can feel intimidating. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way, from scheduling your first appointment to finding the right therapist. One of our experienced mental health professionals will help you address your mental health concerns and gain valuable insights into your mental wellness.