From being stuck in the endless loop of looking for work to trying to rationalise one’s relationships, Gen Z is often portrayed as the lazier generation. Constantly battling the stereotype, the generation is also seen as being extremely vocal about their feelings. As some turn to AI chatbots for comfort, others turn to social media as a means of catharsis, or even a distraction.
Recent data from the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has shown trends that suggest poor mental health among young men increased from 2.5% in 1993 to 6.6% in 2023, and among young women from 3.2% to 9.3% over the same period. Similarly, a study co-authored by Alex Bryson revealed that Gen Z is said to experience a ‘ski-slope’ with peaking misery during the early years of their life, gradually decreasing over time.
As the stigma around mental health conversations declines gradually, surveys and studies can delve deeper into the matter. A Gallup survey from 2023 found that only 15% of Gen Z rated their mental health as excellent. This comes after millennials, a decade early, who were in the same age group then, showed a 52% affirmation towards their mental health being excellent. Here’s what financialexpress.com found after talking to Ambika Chawla, a Clinical Psychologist at Lissun.
Gen Z’s public display of emotion
When asked about the overall awareness ratio, Ambika Chawla revealed that the generation is definitely more aware of the conversation around mental health. “It is part of their syllabus,” she remarked. However, she noted that the generation often takes to social media to either cope with overwhelming emotions or distract themselves from them.
Chawla listed several reasons as to why that may not be the ideal way to handle the situation. From FOMO (fear of missing out) to an impending identity crisis, it can cause “overexposure and screen fatigue,” the psychologist told financialexpress.com. She revealed that Gen Z often gets stuck in the loop of comparing their lives to others around them, which has a further negative effect on negative feelings like anxiety.
The expert laid great emphasis on non-conventional career options often preferred by the generation, as a great reason behind distress. “Today, they don’t want to be doctors or lawyers,” she opined. This in turn has a direct impact on their mental health, creating a generational gap with their parents or older generations – ideally for those who qualify for the “mid-life crisis”. Instead, Gen Z gets stuck in the “quarter-life crisis” phase.
Age, being a significant differentiating factor, sets them apart from the rest, forcing them to rely on technology as a guiding (screen) light.
‘AI-therapists cannot detect micro-habits’
Micro-habits refer to small, consistent actions or lifestyle changes that have a cumulative impact on a person’s health. When asked about how several people are turning to AI for emotional support, Chawla told financialexpress.com, “AI cannot detect your micro habits.” Is it an ideal way to deal with emotions? Maybe not. Not endorsing the use of one, as Chawla cautioned, “They do help us as professionals, but might help manage milder symptoms and manage everyday situations…only for an immediate fix.”
Interestingly, a study by David G Blanchflower found the correlation between screen use and poor mental health to be a “global crisis”. As education shifted online during the pandemic years, the social distance grew even further. Conversation became digital, and so did relationships, having a direct impact on the formative years of Generation Z.
Find the right balance
Concluding her thoughts on the matter, Chawla said that a Gen Z individual facing negative emotions is more than likely to reach out for help. A sign of mental health awareness and positive associations with the phenomenon, Chawla also emphasised on “viewing the society objectively.” She told finanicalexpress.com that it is essential to find the right balance between “letting go” and “focusing on mental health,” so much it hinders your everyday life.