Essay Sample on Generation Z's Mental Health Issues

J.K. Rowling once stated that, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light,” and while this certainly can be true, the light can be nonexistent to those who are blinded. Gen-Z is acknowledged as the generation from 1997-2012 and with this generation in the cusp of adulthood it is notorious that their mental health has deteriorated extensively in comparison to other generations. To some they are lazy. Unaware. Outspoken. Disrespectful. The light which is supposed to be radiating upon this generation is being obscured by detriments fabricating a blindfold. Mental health has been a rising issue in Gen-Z due to the neglect of receiving the help they require, broken social standards, and  the constant bombardment of technology and social media. 

In one's life parents are the foundation of who their children are and will become later on in their lives. Children are extremely influenced by their surroundings and their parents being involved in their daily lives, or not, is impactive. When it comes to mental wellness there is a plethora of parents that are oblivious to what their children are experiencing. In many cases some parents struggle with mental health issues as well but are unaware. Michael Shapiro a psychiatrist stated that, “Studies have noted that between 12-26 percent of parents reported not wanting or needing help, or being unwilling to seek help for a child’s depression.” This demonstrates that a child's needs are being denied because a parent lacks the willingness to provide their kids with mental support. Parents cannot protect their children from everything but they can try to be there for them when they need moral support.

Over the past 20 years Gen-Z has encountered an insane amount of backlash from other generations because of the broken social standards that have been in this society. Members of this generation have counteracted so many of the “moral” principles that older generations have set in stone. Racial movements have taken place before but within this generation there is this passion for change that is not to be seen in other places. Other vital subjects such as sexual orientation are also being endorsed. The Pew Research Center states that, “Roughly half of Gen Zers (48%) and Millennials (47%) say gay and lesbian couples being allowed to marry is a good thing for our society.” in comparison to boomers in which only 27 percent of them think that it will be beneficial. They also state that Republican 43% of Gen-Zers in comparison to 20% Boomers think that there is a racial issue occurring. This demonstrates how older generations and Gen-Z do not coincide with most social issues occurring. Seeing the negativity in this world especially because of social media can further impact mental health. This can cause them to be considered disrespectful when in reality Gen-Z has found their voice and is using it for the greater good. 

Social media is the biggest component to the deterioration of a teens mental health. The life that a Gen-Z teen lives is sadly severely influenced by this component. In this world of technology the generation is on a day to day basis compelled to be on social media for at least 4.5, if not more. Gain weight. Lose it. Wear this. Have this body type. Wear makeup. Stay natural. It is a constant cycle of having to be accepted by society and this generation seems to seek validation. A ten year long study Proffesor Sarah Coyon states that, “Girls who used social media for at least two to three hours per day at the beginning of the study--when they were about 13 years old--and then greatly increased their use over time were at a higher clinical risk for suicide as emerging adults” This highlights that social media can cause mental health issues so severe that suicide can be an outcome. The fact that even two hours of social media use a day can end up harming a person so gravely is concerning to another level. 

In summary, mental health issues in Gen-Z have been an excruciatingly concerning issue in comparison to other generations. The world is already a dark place and these detriments do not contribute any light especially to this young generation. Parents need to make sure that they are providing the necessary support to children in need as well as older generations should not make them feel as though they owe anything to them. Social media is so harmful in today's society yet it plays a prodigious role on a daily basis. No one deserves to have a mind drowning in so much darkness and anguish; Gen-Z should be allowed to see the light that J.K. Rowling is trying to emphasize there is.