Gen Z and Therapy: The Next Generation’s Approach to Wellness
“There’s a new voice in the therapy room. We are ready to examine our behaviors, take ownership of our mental health, and improve our quality of life - for the betterment of our generation and those to come. “
Look at the stats, babes: there is a higher representation of reported mental health concerns among Gen Z than in any other age group. According to a study from the APA, Gen Z is “more likely (27 percent) than other generations, including millennials (15 percent) and Gen Xers (13 percent), to report their mental health as fair or poor, the survey found.” (APA, 2019). Additionally, “37% of Gen Z report having attended mental health therapy”, (APA, 2019). Those numbers are pretty staggering. But is it a shock, necessarily?
In 2023, today’s Gen Z-ers would be anyone from 11-26. Consider the following reasons for their presence in therapy:
This generation has grown up in/been exposed to a hellish combination of social, political, economic, and psychological challenges.
Gen Z is also discovering their own autonomy and voice in a time where the stigma around mental health has never been lower.
Additionally, Gen Z has primarily been raised by those in Boomer generations. A recent study found that more than “8 in 10 baby boomers (81%) say they haven't seen a therapist and aren't considering it”.
So, really, are members of Gen Z more susceptible to mental health challenges? Or, are we just the ones who are more comfortable reporting them? Speaking as a member of Gen-Z myself, I think the most likely answer is a combination of both. We value the conversation around mental health and are not afraid to share our experiences with mental health challenges. Consider also: it’s hard enough to be a tween/teen/young adult, but imagine being one of these formative ages in the midst of a pandemic, with early exposure to social media, with parents who may or may not “believe” in therapy, and crippling inflation rates. You get the point. It’s brutal out here.
There’s a new voice in the therapy room. We are ready to examine our behaviors, take ownership of our mental health, and improve our quality of life - for the betterment of our generation and those to come.
- Madeleine, your Gen Z Therapist