Generation Z refers to the generation born roughly between 1997 and 2012. They are the first generation to be completely raised with the Internet and smartphones and have grown up with a very different experience of the world than previous generations.
Gen Z mental health differs from that of previous generations—and they are a lot more open about sharing their struggles.
Increased Psychological Concerns Among Gen Z
Gen Z has numerous reasons to feel more stressed than previous generations. Ultimately, stress can contribute to psychological concerns such as anxiety and depression. Some of the stressors that may be contributing to increased psychological issues among Gen Z.
- Fear of mass shootings
- Increased screen time and isolation
- Greater stress
- Exposure to harmful content on social media
Why Gen Z Is More Open About Their Mental Health
Social media and the internet have connected Gen Z with other people’s stories, be it strangers on the Internet or celebrities and influencers. This may have made it easier for Gen Z to talk openly about their mental health struggles compared to previous generations such as Millennials and Gen X (many of their parents’ generation).
Normalizing conversations about mental health means that Gen Z can deal with their issues and move on rather than staying stuck—and that’s the choice many of them are making.
Gen Z has grown up in a world where it’s normal and considered natural to get treatment for psychological problems. They don’t know any different, so they don’t attach any bad feelings to speaking about it.
Reduced Stigma
Another reason that Gen Z might be receiving treatment more often than previous generations is that there is less stigma around them asking for help.
Unlike Millennials and Gen X’ers, who still belonged to a generation in which talking about mental health problems or asking for help was viewed as unusual or wrong, Gen Z are part of a cohort who doesn’t feel that same stigma.
Normalizing Mental Health Treatment
Gen Z has grown up in a world where it’s normal and considered natural to get treatment for psychological problems. They don’t know any different so they don’t attach any bad feelings to speaking about it.
Asking for help for mental health is viewed as a strength rather than a weakness among Gen Z, the same as going to the doctor for a broken bone would be seen as a smart thing to do.
Social Media to Destigmatize
Gen Z has a feeling of social support through their connections online that previous generations did not have.
Social media and the Internet is largely the driving force behind this change in perspective, along with gradually changing views in mainstream media and public perception.
What Other Generations Can Learn From Gen Z
Social Media Isn’t All Bad
Interconnectedness online allows for a broadening of perspectives, greater tolerance for differences, and more acceptance of mental health issues in general.
Generational Learning
Gen Z is used to talking openly about their mental health, and they need their parents to follow suit.
Growing up is a process of moving toward independence. Check out our podcast for advice on how parents and caregivers can support their child’s transition into adulthood.
Screen Time Is Connection
Gen Z utilizes screen time to make connections and feel less alone. Other generations could learn from this in terms of broadening their perspective of what constitutes friendship or connection.
No Limitations
Gen Z is aware that mental health is just one aspect of their lives, and one that can be improved with help.
Open Communication
Gen Z is used to talking openly about their mental health, and other generations could learn from this. Open communication among families, between parents and kids, and among generations will mean less adults with emotional baggage.
Active In Treatment
Finally, Gen Z has taught other generations that being active in your own treatment and recovery is critical for managing stress and moving toward getting what you want out of life. Rather than avoiding the problem, facing it and finding help is the best strategy for managing mental health.
Excerpted from “Why Gen Z Is More Open to Talking About Their Mental Health” in VeryWellMind. Read the full article online.
Source: VeryWellMind | Why Gen Z Is More Open to Talking About Their Mental Health, https://www.verywellmind.com/why-gen-z-is-more-open-to-talking-about-their-mental-health-5104730 | Ⓒ 2025 Dotdash Media, Inc.
