• Mental Health

What's Behind the Gen Z Mental Health Surge?

Published: July 09, 2025
Updated: July 09, 2025
4 mins

The increased interconnectedness of our world has both its benefits and drawbacks. More than ever before, most young adults and teens in the United States are experiencing a significant portion of their lives online. Most Gen Z spend time on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube daily. 

While the internet can be a great way to find community, it can also be detrimental to your mental health over time. In Gen Z, more adolescents have been diagnosed with mental health conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression than ever before. Still, a significant portion of young children may have these mental health conditions and never receive treatment.

What is the Gen Z Mental Health Surge?

The Gen Z mental health surge is a reference to a drastic increase in mental health conditions. Generation Z is defined as anyone born around 1997 to around 2010. Over the past ten years, more teens have been diagnosed with mental health conditions. In 2011, health experts noticed an increase in depressive symptoms among teens from the ages of 12 to 17. 

Within this group, teens who belong to marginalized groups were at an even more increased risk for feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other markers of mental health decline. The CDC and Amer­i­can Acad­e­my of Pedi­atrics view discrimination and racism as major public health concerns that affect the mental wellness of kids as much as adults. 

Many kids experience stress from learning about the prevalence of these issues in the U.S. and experiencing them firsthand at a young age.

What Mental Health Problems Affect Gen Z the Most?

In the United States, the following are the most reported mental health complications among the younger generation:

• Loneliness

• Economic stress

• Lack of purpose

• Anxiety around gun violence

• Climate change anxiety

• Depression related to identity and belonging

A lot of these concerns, like economic stress and anxiety about gun and racial violence, have also gradually increased. However, loneliness is a concern that often coincides with Gen Z specifically. The rise of social media has made it more likely that this new generation of young adults spends all day indoors and alone on their phones. 

In recent years, a decline in “third spaces” has further contributed to this growth of loneliness as well. Third spaces like malls, libraries, and community centers give young people an opportunity to spend time with each other outside of a school environment. However, a decline in these spaces shows a dramatic shift in the collective social culture.

How Technology is Affecting Gen Z

Health experts have found that the younger end of Gen Z spends around three and a half hours a day on social media. The increased prevalence of technology can affect the neurological development of children.

The rise of social media has changed how Generation Z communicates with each other and the world around them. Many young children exhibit feelings of loneliness and withdrawal more than in past generations. 

The pace of social media and short-form content is a lot faster. This can make it more difficult to concentrate in real-life scenarios. Digesting so much information at once can lead to digital overload.

An increased exposure to major news events and the everyday lives of others can make it feel as if everything is happening everywhere all at once. This overwhelming feeling can lead to catastrophizing and existential dread. Unlike past generations, it’s much more difficult for current young adults to escape the knowledge of all of the bad things that are happening every day.

There are also physical changes that can happen from being chronically online. Hours on social media can lead to eye strain and an increased risk of dry eyes. Being online may also reduce the likelihood that young adults are not getting as much physical activity as they could.

What is the Result of the Gen Z Mental Health Surge?

Along with the increase in mental health complications among young people comes more mental health awareness. In addition to youth advocacy for mental health, young adults today often talk about their mental health openly online and in conversation with each other. Around 65% of Gen Z have reported a mental health concern.

In recent years, health experts have found that more Gen Zers are more likely to seek treatment for mental health. Gen Z is passionate about understanding their mental health and fighting for policies that support that initiative. 

How Gen Z is Coping with a Mental Health Crisis

Health experts have found an increase in hospitalizations due to mental health among Gen Z. Therapy has long been a stigmatized conversation in many communities. Generation Z has helped reshape how we talk about therapy. Psychotherapy is just one of many ways young people can find support while caring for their mental health. 

There are several types of psychotherapy based on how a teen or young adult prefers to connect with others. The following types of psychotherapy are a few commonly used for young people:

• Psychodynamic psychotherapy: In this form of therapy, a person can work with a therapist to identify and manage thought patterns and emotions.

• Cognitive behavior therapy: Also referred to as CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the thoughts, actions, and behaviors that may contribute to harmful behaviors.

• Art and play therapy: This form of therapy is ideal for someone who feels comfortable using artistic expression to open up more about their mental health.

Along with an increase in conversation about therapy, there has also been a rise in apps and virtual care options. Many young people use online resources to meditate, journal, and access therapy.

How Can I Help Those Struggling with Their Mental Health?

There are still some gaps in what we understand about how technology is affecting the mental health of the next generation. The best thing you can do when you know someone is struggling with their mental health is to lend a listening ear. 

Be careful not to minimize how they feel with statements like “it’s not that big of a deal” or “just be happy.” Severe mental health conditions lead to chemical imbalances in the brain that can’t always be fixed by changing your mindset, even if someone is working hard to do so. 

It’s best to do what you can to connect a young person to a licensed mental healthcare provider. Many schools, community centers, and non-profit organizations offer opportunities for young adults to receive affordable or free mental health care.

Where Can I Learn More About Mental Health Resources?

With LifeMD, you can meet with a licensed healthcare provider who can help you learn more about what a young person with mental health concerns may be experiencing. 

For young people 18 years old and above, LifeMD-affiliated healthcare providers may also prescribe medication to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Connect with LifeMD today to learn more about accessible, virtual mental healthcare.

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