The Mental Health Crisis in Gen Z
May 10 • Written by Zaira Shareef
May is Mental Health Awareness month and is the one month where individuals come together and bring down the “stigma” that surrounds the topic of mental health. Mental health can be defined as the wellbeing of an individual's mindset. Confidence and high self esteem can be seen as having a healthy wellbeing and negative thoughts associated with a person along with insecurities can be seen as an unhealthy mental wellbeing. To an extent, mental health is just as important as physical health. This is why we, as individuals, should be prioritizing our mental wellbeing the same way we prioritize our physical health.
With Gen Z becoming the next generations of individuals in the workforce, it is without a doubt that mental health has become more of a topic of open discussion, with significant changes to the way individuals view mental wellness. Schools and corporations have added to their goals and priorities; focusing on the mental wellbeing of students and workers as well as providing necessary resources. However, with all these resources available for everyone to access, the statistics for symptoms related to mental conditions and illnesses have skyrocketed amongst Generation Z. A research in 2024 by The Guardian explained how one in three individuals aged 18-24 have experienced symptoms related to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Although mental conditions such as ADHD, OCD, Autism and Bi-polar Disorder are genetically related, another research by Ipsos has stated that 74% - or six in ten Canadians - have been diagnosed with a mental health related condition despite having any family history. With these facts being said, it is definitely a shock to see what the next individuals to make up the workforce are like. Why is this the case though? Why is there a mental health crisis amongst Gen Z?
The reason is that although society has started to shift from some “toxic” norms, unrealistic standards are still present and are negatively impacting Gen Z teenagers and adults. The most notable reason comes from social media. Social media is said to make us individuals more social. However, social media is full of unrealistic standards, and these unrealistic standards are a major contributor to why Gen Z suffers with a good amount of mental conditions. For teenagers, beauty standards and academic pressures to get into an “Ivy League” school are the biggest contributors to symptoms of depression and anxiety. For adults, the increasing prices in housing and food and the pressure to be financially stable after college/university are the biggest contributors to negative feelings such as worthlessness, loneliness and suicidal thoughts.
Looking at these reasons, it is easy to neglect taking care of your mental wellbeing. Neglecting what your mind needs is what can lead to a burnout. Think of a burnout as having cleared up your plate with a multitude of things and then being tired afterwards. However, more things are then put on your plate despite your brain being worked out to its maximum capacity. When a burnout happens, it can lead to the unwillingness to be productive and can even lead to some signs of mental conditions such as the constant need of isolation and feelings of emptiness.
Prioritizing mental wellbeing may seem difficult to do with the multitude of things that happen in our daily lives. The best way to get into the habit of prioritizing your mental health is by starting off slow. Simply taking five minutes out of your busy day is enough to be considered prioritizing your mental wellbeing. Some ways to start taking care of your mental wellbeing are journaling (writing down what you feel), a walk outdoors (around the neighborhood or for some fresh air) and deep breathing exercises (box breathing method/timed breathing). To prioritize in the longer run, adequate sleep and frequent breaks - from either studying or working - have been shown to increase focus, memory and overall brain health. Additionally, reaching out to a trusted person, whether they be a friend, counselor or family member, also helps with clearing your mind from the multitude of things that need to be done.
Oftentimes, we tend to isolate ourselves when we face issues related to our mental health. Note that there are days where it is okay not to be your normal self and that everyone has their highs and lows. Being able to communicate your feelings and emotions rather than gatekeeping them to yourself often does more harm than it does. The mental health crisis of Gen Z is one of the biggest crises society has seen, but that doesn’t mean that individuals of Gen Z can’t do anything. Rather, their willingness to speak up and be communicative about mental health issues is what has led to society to make a major shift.
“When you take care of yourself, you’re a better person for others. When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better”
Solange Knowles — American Singer
Please refer to the list below for mental health resources. Remember that you are not alone.
1-833-456-4566 Cdn. Talk Suicide Prevention Line
1-866-531-2600 Ont. Mental Health Helpline
1-866-925-5454 Good2Talk (Post-secondary Students)
1-800-668-6868 Kids Help Phone
686868 Crisis Text Line
