Three Professionals Offer Insights on Gen Z Struggling to Discover Contentment
In the whirlwind of life, who hasn't dreamed of reliving their twenties, that epoch of growth and discovery? Myself, I'd leap at the chance. For many of us, this decade sparks memories of enlightenment, excitement, and roller coaster rides of adventure. But let's be honest, being a young gun isn't for the faint of heart. It's a tumultuous dance, shifting between highs and lows, twisting around unexpected corners.
But for Gen Z, it feels like their lifetime is one unending valley. Many in this generation declare happiness to be an unattainable mirage - just take a look at the recent Global Flourishing Study conducted by Harvard and Baylor Universities. This research, analyzing over 200,000 young people across 22 countries, exposed a shocking revelation: for the first time ever, young adults aged 18 to 29, are experiencing a happiness crisis. Happiness is stagnating for an entire generation, leaving them bewildered and unsure of how to revive it.
So it's not just Gen Z who's struggling, but statistics consistently prove they're one of the demographics feeling the brunt of this crisis. In fact, a study by the American Psychological Association discovered that over 90% of Gen Zers have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom due to ongoing stress. But, despite their high stress levels, they're the least likely to discuss it with those around them out of fear of being a burden.
To shed light on this enigma, I sought the insights of three mental health experts. Here's what they had to say about why Gen Z is finding it hard to find happiness:
They feel the weight of the world on their shoulders
Kelsey M. Latimer, Ph.D., psychologist and CEO of KML Psychological Services, suggests, “Some in Gen Z appear overwhelmed with pressure to excel in all aspects of life, ensuring they have the best college applications and future prospects.”
This pressure to be perfect is a significant burden for Gen Z. According to a recent Gallup study, almost one in three Gen Zers believe they must be flawless, a statistic that is even higher for girls (40%) compared to boys (26%).
Gen Z feels they must always evolve and adapt
Lynn Zakeri, owner of Lynn Zakeri LCSW Clinical Services, echoes Latimer but takes it a step further. She states, "Gen Z inherited the pressure to be emotionally fluent, socially conscious, digitally present, and endlessly evolving-with no room to breathe and simply be."
The influx of technology and innovation is incredible, and there's no denying that it's opened up endless opportunities for business growth and personal development. But has this rapid pace of change left us constantly striving for the next big thing, with stillness becoming incompatible with modern life?
Zakeri posits that Generation Z is struggling to find happiness due to societal pressure to continually evolve, with introspection taking a backseat to innovation. Perhaps there's a way to strike a balance between productivity and mental well-being in today's workplace.
Social media and the need for immediate validation weigh heavy
Lastly, Daren Banarsë, MA BACP, a senior psychotherapist with a private practice in Central London, England, highlights another issue. He confides, "I see young adults who have never learned to tolerate discomfort, who experience panic when their phones die, who feel physically ill when Instagram is down."
This sentiment is shared by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D., professor of psychology at San Diego State University, who, in an interview with NPR in 2017, proposed the theory that the influx of smartphone usage in 2012 had a direct impact on the rise of loneliness.
Research on the impact of technology on young people has long been debated, but recent studies by the McKinsey Health Institute reveal a strong connection between social media and its impact on self-perception and self-worth.
It's clear that Gen Z is struggling to find happiness. While this situation may change as life stabilizes or they progress through adulthood, as business leaders, we have the power to influence positive change and create environments that promote well-being and happiness for our employees. Start by providing a safe space for Gen Z to bring their whole selves to work, even during difficult times. The more they feel supported, the more they'll be able to connect, find solace, and maybe, just maybe, experience a glimmer of happiness.
- The mental health crisis among Gen Z, as indicated by numerous studies, is a significant concern, with over 90% of Gen Zers experiencing stress, according to the American Psychological Association.
- In line with this, mental health experts attribute Gen Z's unhappiness to several factors, including the pressure to excel, the need for constant adaptation, and the impact of social media on self-perception and worth.
- As we navigate through the health-and-wellness landscape of our tech-driven society, it is crucial for businesses to create work environments that foster mental health awareness, particularly during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, to support the well-being of Generation Z employees and help alleviate their struggles with mental health.
