Gen Z Faces Alarming Mental Health Crisis, Study Warns

Gen Z Faces Alarming Mental Health Crisis, Study Warns
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A study published in PLOS One has found that Generation Z is experiencing significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness than their parents — a reversal of earlier patterns where mental health struggles typically peaked in midlife, Independent Persian reported.

Drawing on data from more than 10 million Americans and 40,000 British households, researchers concluded that young people today face unprecedented psychological pressures. Unlike past generations, Gen Z reports the most acute distress in adolescence and early adulthood, with symptoms easing over time.

Experts attribute the crisis to the unique conditions shaping Gen Z’s lives: constant exposure to social media, overwhelming information flows, global crises, economic insecurity, and an uncertain job market.

The study warns that neglecting these issues could have serious social and economic repercussions. Researchers urge governments to treat youth mental health as a national priority by expanding school- and university-based counseling, improving access to psychological care, and promoting awareness of mental well-being.

With Gen Z now aged 14 to 28, the report cautions, ignoring their mental health needs risks undermining the future stability of families, labor markets, and society at large.