Why Is Gen-Z Particularly Vulnerable to Anxiety?

A recent report from Harmony Healthcare IT discovered that over 60% of Gen Zers deal with anxiety. Gen Z is made up of adults aged 18–26. When you think about the things this generation has been through and the daily pressures they face, it probably isn’t surprising to learn that they’re one of the most anxious generations. 

Unfortunately, it’s not just that they’re anxious. The anxiety seems to be getting worse. That same survey found that most Gen Zers have experienced worse anxiety in the past year, and many have even experienced a panic attack. 

But why is anxiety so bad with Gen Z? What makes this generation particularly vulnerable to anxious thoughts and feelings? 

What’s Causing Anxiety in Gen Z? 

Anxiety is the most common mental health issue in the world. It impacts every generation. But Gen Zers are specifically worried about a few things. The biggest source of their anxiety is the future. 

Again, that shouldn’t be surprising when you consider everything they’ve been through. Gen Zers have had to deal with economic turmoil and uncertainty for a long time. They might not know how they’re going to afford things, or if they’ll be able to land a stable job. 

Beyond finances, there’s no denying that we’re living in uncertain times. Uncertainty fuels anxiety. There seems to be social unrest all across the globe, including in the United States. Turning on the news for a few minutes or scrolling through social media will give you a good idea of everything going “wrong” in our country. There’s violence, discord in the government, and the threat of more issues to come. 

That kind of uncertainty can cause young adults to feel like their future is just as uncertain. When you feel like you’re on unstable ground, it’s hard to feel secure in yourself or what you plan to do. Again, that uncertainty can lead to anxious thoughts. In addition to all the factors that we have no control over, young adulthood is a challenging time packed with life transitions.

A lot of the anxiety is developmentally appropriate since the 20s are a decade of identity exploration and solidification. It’s typically when you make decisive steps in choosing a career, trying out different jobs, partners, friend groups, moving away from home, becoming financially independent, etc. Although all this exploration is exciting, it can also be daunting and exhausting for some. Life transitions are always anxiety-provoking, even when they’re positive. Young adulthood is not only full of transitions but it’s also when we go through it for the first time. It’s tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Make sure you are caring for yourself properly with the right guidance and support network.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

If there’s a silver lining to the fact that Gen Z is dealing with anxiety, it’s that they’re also a generation that has dropped a lot of the stigma surrounding mental health. Many Gen Zers aren’t afraid to reach out for help, whether that means working with a therapist or taking medication. 

Unfortunately, there are also many Gen Zers who are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with their anxiety. They might assume therapy is too expensive or they don’t want to start taking medication. 

Some of the most common unhealthy coping mechanisms this generation is turning to include overeating, cannabis use, and alcohol abuse. These coping strategies are slippery slopes. While they might make you feel good for a while and work to calm your anxiety, you might find that you need more and more for them to continue to be effective. That can lead to addiction or unhealthy behaviors, like binge eating. 

What Can You Do?

Recognizing some of the common signs of anxiety is the first step in getting the help you deserve. Some of those symptoms might include irritability, having a sense of impending doom, or feeling restless. Physical symptoms often include a racing heart, nausea, and sweating. 

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring those symptoms. They will always eventually demand to be felt. By acknowledging your anxiety, you’re taking the first step toward getting control. Therapy is always an option, but there are many things you can do outside of therapy to mitigate anxiety. Here’s a list of suggestions, try them and if it doesn’t seem like enough, find a therapist who can help.

• Go outside every day for a walk/run/hang out with friends at a park. Being in contact with nature and regular exposure to sunlight has been proven to have a positive impact on mood.

• Exercise regularly. I tell clients this phrase I love and don’t know where I picked it up from but it goes: “If you wanna quiet the mind, tire the body”. I love it because it works, and because it sums up our beautiful mind-body connection. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel after a good workout even if no other factors have changed.

• Take breaks from social media. Anxiety is a form of fear, our economy thrives with fear and scarcity. Living “online” will be a petri dish for anxiety and dissatisfaction. Detox frequently and connect with the people in your social circle.

• Educate yourself on the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety. Pay attention to how you experience anxiety and if any specific activities/people/places trigger your symptoms.

• Have a “processing” practice, that could be meditation, journaling, therapy, etc. Anxiety is a beautiful messenger alerting you of things that should not be ignored. It’s never as catastrophic as it sounds, but with adequate introspection, we can learn to address what it is trying to say. At Psych Blossom, we don’t ascribe to the idea that you just need to ignore and reframe anxious thoughts. Yes, you need to challenge them and understand that they are often irrational and disproportionate but you also need to figure out the positive/protective message it’s trying to deliver.

• Work towards facing anxiety gently and gradually. Remember, it’s a balancing act between validating your feelings and remembering that even though your feelings are valid, they are not facts.

If you’re a Gen Zer and some of these problems sound familiar, it’s never too early or too late to get the help you deserve. You might be surprised by how effective and affordable therapy can be. Don’t let misconceptions get in the way of helping you take control of your anxious thoughts. Feel free to contact us today to set up an appointment. Our Miami therapists have plenty of experience treating anxiety and young adults. Most of us have worked in high school/college in the early parts of our careers so we are familiar with the challenges young adults and college students face.