The Rising of Anxiety in Young People Research Paper

“Some 70% of teens across all gen­ders, races and fam­i­ly-income lev­els say that anx­i­ety and depres­sion are sig­nif­i­cant prob­lems among their peers”. (Aecf.org) This is a quote that shows how this world has taken a toll on the younger generations. In most statistics Millennials are said to carry even more stress than Gen-Z, however the higher anxiety and depression rates are more characteristic of Gen-Z. Overall the younger generations tend to be more stressed and have larger amounts of those with mental health issues.

Twenty-seven percent of Gen-Z have reported their mental health being fair or poor. Millennials follow this trend with fifteen percent saying that they have fair or poor mental health. Ninety-one percent of Gen-Z that are between 18 and 21 say that they have dealt with a physical or emotional symptom of stress in the last month. This stress is not something exclusive to Gen-Z with one out of five adults feeling as though they do not manage their stress; Gen-Z adults still contribute to this statistic. 

Large amounts of Gen-Z also suffer from depression as a result of stress and the previously mentioned anxiety. Stress causing factors can include: student debt, joblessness, school, and political changes. Many young people have struggled or currently struggle with mental health due to factors such as these.

“Overall, the younger generations are significantly more likely to receive or have received treatment or therapy from a psychologist or other mental health professional.” (Apa.org) Roughly thirty-seven percent of Gen-Z has sought help and worked with a mental health professional. That statistic is higher than any other generation coming before it. Despite more people seeking help in all generations the suicide rates have continued to rise. The rates hit their peak for youth in 2017. 

A noteworthy invention that has been contributing to the world’s mental health is the internet. Specifically social media has been shown to go either way for mental health. Fifty-five percent of Gen-Z says social media gives them support while the other forty-five percent says it can make them feel judged or cause stress. The popularity of sharing news online has also contributed to the popularity of negative stories to attract readers, however, when more negative news is shared, it contributes to the overall viewing of the world that many experience.

In short, the current generations have felt mental deterioration due to long standing conditions worsening in their life times. Many adults of Gen-Z cite finding jobs and the current economy as genuine stress in their life. The rate of mental illness such as depression has risen in newer generations, and Millenials are equally, if not more, stressed out in work or economy related affairs. The internet has created a mass information overload in these people’s young lives and contributes to their current lives as they grow. With continued other stresses in life the rates for anxiety in further generations may continue to rise.