Gen Z faces more mental health struggles than middle-aged people: Study

A landmark study in ‘PLOS One’ uncovers a shocking mental health transformation: Gen Z is unhappier than the middle-aged. The international survey of 44 nations shows a new trend in which young adults from the age of 12 to 28 are complaining of increased anxiety, hopelessness, and mental problems compared to their middle-aged equivalents. This transformation also evokes questions regarding the transformation of mental wellness and the reasons behind this intergenerational gap.

The disappearance of the midlife crisis

For years, the "midlife crisis" was a widely recognized phenomenon, with its connotations of emotional distress and self-doubt that usually reach their peak in an individual's 40s or 50s. This age, quite commonly referred to as the 'unhappiness hump,' used to be believed to be the pinnacle of life dissatisfaction. Yet, according to the latest study, the phenomenon is on the verge of vanishing. Instead of middle-aged people grappling with life's problems, it's Gen Z that is experiencing increased rates of mental distress.

Levels of discontent among young adults reach their peak in the late teens and early twenties before slowly declining with age, says the research. The trend has been compared to a 'ski slope' of unhappiness, with suffering most severe in youth and diminishing as individuals get older. The results contradict conventional perspectives on mental wellbeing, proposing that the problems of midlife are no longer perhaps the hallmarks of our psychological evolution.

Why is Gen Z having a tougher time?

There are many reasons why there's a drop in mental health for Gen Z. The report attributes these difficulties to a mix of environmental, economic, and societal stressors that have unfairly impacted this generation.

Climate change anxiety

The impending threat of climate change has been a major cause of concern for young individuals. Living in an age where environmental concerns are central to political and social discussion, Gen Z has an uncertain future as far as the health of the planet is concerned. The general fear of climate change, compounded by the requirement to do something about it, may result in helplessness and distress.

Economic insecurity:

Financial struggles, such as the high cost of living, student loan debt, and unstable job market, have also contributed to Gen Z's poor mental health. In contrast to past generations, most young adults are now unable to attain financial stability, which contributes to their anxiety and stress levels. Being afraid of not being able to attain the same achievements that previous generations took for granted, such as homeownership and career success, is one major source of anger.

Social media and digital pressures:

Another source of the mental health problem for Gen Z is social media's ubiquitous presence. Although platforms may provide connection and affirmation, they also build pressure for increasing feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, and comparison. Endless exposure to others' idealized lives on social media distorts self-perception and results in growing anxiety and depression.

Is the quarter-life crisis supplanting the midlife crisis?

The findings of the study lead to a fascinating question: Is the quarter-life crisis increasingly more common than the midlife crisis? A quarter-life crisis is a stage of uncertainty, confusion, and introspection that typically occurs during one's early 20s. Since Gen Z is worrying more than their middle-aged peers, it appears the quarter-life crisis is taking over the classic midlife crisis as the characteristic psychological dilemma of contemporary life.

The landscape of mental health has changed quite significantly, with Gen Z currently experiencing more psychological difficulties than ever before. This research highlights the pressures put on today's youth, ranging from economic uncertainty to fear of climate change and the widespread influence of social media. Consequently, the quarter-life crisis is increasingly prevalent, with young adults suffering increasing stress, anxiety, and depression. Knowledge of these trends is important to meeting the mental health requirements of Gen Z and better providing for their health.