Muslim World Report

Understanding the Mental Health Crisis Facing Generation Z

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 3, 2025 2:24 PM | 8 min read | 1528 words

TL;DR: Generation Z is experiencing a significant mental health crisis marked by increased anxiety and depression due to systemic inequities and societal pressures. This post examines the roots of these issues, explores potential scenarios for the future, and emphasizes the need for urgent systemic change to support the mental well-being of this generation.

The Burden of Generation Z: A Call for Systemic Change in the Age of Anxiety

The Situation

Generation Z, encompassing individuals born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, stands at a precarious crossroads characterized by rapid technological advancements and profound societal upheaval. Recent studies reveal alarming rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges within this cohort. These challenges reflect entrenched systemic inequities and social pressures undermining the mental well-being of young people today (McKnight-Eily et al., 2021; Docrat et al., 2019).

Key contributing factors include:

  • Economic uncertainty: The lingering effects of the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic have created an unstable job market.
  • Escalating cost of living: Many young adults face financial pressures that were not as pronounced for previous generations (Twenge et al., 2020; Liu et al., 2011).
  • Societal expectations: Generation Z struggles with pressures that amplify feelings of anxiety and disillusionment.

Critics often label this generation as “lazy” or lacking resilience, conveniently overlooking the multifaceted societal and economic structures contributing to their struggles. This narrative alienates young people from older generations who may not fully grasp the depth of these issues (Ibrahimi et al., 2020). Moreover, the emphasis on personal responsibility regarding mental health does not adequately address the systemic factors exacerbating these challenges.

Key systemic stressors include:

  • Poverty
  • Discrimination
  • Social exclusion

Given this context, embracing systemic change is imperative to addressing these inequities. The implications of the mental health crisis extend beyond individual suffering; they threaten the very foundations of our societal frameworks. A deteriorating mental health landscape among an entire generation could cultivate a less productive and increasingly unstable society. Recognizing the mental health crisis as a collective issue is essential—one that calls for urgent attention and critical reflection on the systems that shape our lives (Kim, 2019).

What If Scenarios

The plight of Generation Z prompts crucial questions about future trajectories. The “What If” scenarios serve as a structured analysis of potential paths forward, each illustrating the importance of systemic change.

What If Systemic Inequities Persist Unchecked?

  • Widening divide: If systemic inequities in economic and mental health resources remain unaddressed, a substantial brain drain may occur, as talented individuals seek opportunities in more supportive environments (Niemann et al., 2020).
  • Increased violence and crime: Communities lacking adequate mental health resources could experience rising rates of violence and substance abuse, as despair transforms into anger and hopelessness.
  • Intergenerational trauma: A failure to understand the struggles of younger generations may create a cycle of poverty and mental health crises, further entrenching inequalities (Kim, 2019; Varcoe et al., 2019).

Additionally, the increasing stigmatization of mental health issues could lead many to suffer in silence without access to essential support systems (Zhang et al., 2019). This trend threatens to obscure the urgent need for systemic change, reinforcing a false narrative of individual responsibility (Ibrahimi et al., 2020).

What If Governments Invest in Mental Health Resources?

  • Transformative benefits: If governments proactively invest in mental health resources and training programs, the potential outcomes could be significant. These investments would alleviate the mental health struggles of Generation Z and foster societal resilience (Patel, 2007).
  • Integration into education: Access to robust mental health education can empower young people to understand their emotions and cultivate supportive environments for open dialogue about mental well-being (Ibrahimi et al., 2020; Liu et al., 2011).

In this vision, mental health would become a primary focus of policy rather than an afterthought. Schools could implement comprehensive mental health initiatives, training teachers to recognize signs of distress and intervene appropriately. Workplaces might prioritize employee wellness, benefiting the healthcare system overall.

What If Self-Care Becomes a Commodity?

The commodification of self-care poses a significant threat to genuine mental health understanding. As wellness becomes conflated with consumerism, a growing divide may emerge between authentic self-care practices and market-driven trends (Sasangohar et al., 2020).

  • Individualized solutions: The shift towards individualized solutions risks alienating those who cannot afford the latest wellness products, perpetuating the narrative that mental health is solely an individual concern.
  • Consumer-driven guilt: Individuals may feel inadequacy if they cannot afford the latest self-care trends. This focus on purchasing power overshadows the need for systemic change, making it more challenging for communities to engage in supportive conversations about mental health.

Strategic Maneuvers

Addressing the challenges faced by Generation Z necessitates a coordinated, multifaceted strategy involving a diverse array of stakeholders: governments, educational institutions, healthcare providers, parents, and the community at large (McDaid et al., 2019).

Governments and Policymakers

Governments must:

  • Prioritize mental health within their health policies by significantly increasing funding for mental health services.
  • Expand access to care and train educators and employers to recognize and respond to mental health issues.
  • Implement policies promoting mental health education in schools to empower young people and foster supportive environments (McDaid et al., 2019).

Educational Institutions

Schools and universities should:

  • Adopt comprehensive mental health programs that integrate mental health education with traditional curricula.
  • Train staff to recognize signs of distress for early intervention and support.
  • Create peer support systems to combat isolation and foster community (Kim, 2019; Ibrahimi et al., 2020).

Partnerships with mental health organizations can enhance access to necessary support, including counseling services and wellness workshops.

Community Engagement and Grassroots Movements

Communities must unite to form inclusive support networks that reflect their members’ diverse needs. Grassroots movements can amplify voices advocating for mental health awareness and resource allocation.

Community initiatives should:

  • Build coalitions that include local businesses and leaders to destigmatize mental health.
  • Host public forums to discuss mental health openly, fostering understanding and empathy between generations and diverse community members (Niemann et al., 2020).

References

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  • Docrat, S., Besada, D., Cleary, S., Daviaud, E., & Lund, C. (2019). Mental health system costs, resources and constraints in South Africa: a national survey. Health Policy and Planning, 34(6), 406-417. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czz085

  • Ibrahimi, S., Yusuf, K. K., Dongarwar, D., Maiyegun, S. O., Ikedionwu, C., & Salihu, H. M. (2020). COVID-19 Devastation of African American Families: Impact on Mental Health and the Consequence of Systemic Racism. International Journal of Maternal and Child Health and AIDS, 9(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.21106/ijma.408

  • Kim, P. J. (2019). Social Determinants of Health Inequities in Indigenous Canadians Through a Life Course Approach to Colonialism and the Residential School System. Health Equity, 3(1), 49-56. https://doi.org/10.1089/heq.2019.0041

  • Liu, J., Ma, H., He, Y., Xie, B., Xu, Y., Tang, H., Li, M., Hao, W., Wang, X., Zhang, M., Goding, M., Fraser, J., Herrman, H., Chiu, H., Chan, S., & Yu, X. (2011). Mental health system in China: history, recent service reform and future challenges. World Psychiatry, 10(2), 119-124. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2011.tb00059.x

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  • Varcoe, C., Bungay, V., Browne, A. J., Wilson, E., Wathen, C. N., Kolar, K., Perrin, N., Comber, S., Garneau, A. B., Byres, D., Black, A., Price, E. R., & Gold, C. J. (2019). EQUIP Emergency: study protocol for an organizational intervention to promote equity in health care. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4494-2

  • Zhang, Z., Sun, K. S., Jatchavala, C., Koh, J. T., Chia, Y., Bose, J., Li, Z., Tan, W., Wang, S., Chu, W., Wang, J., Tran, B. X., & Ho, R. (2019). Overview of Stigma against Psychiatric Illnesses and Advancements of Anti-Stigma Activities in Six Asian Societies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 280. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17010280

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