Ever feel like the world is on your shoulders, and hitting refresh won’t solve it? Generation Z—people born between 1996 and 2010—is living this experience. 

The Guardian states that one in three 18 to 24-year-olds have experienced symptoms of depression or anxiety disorder. 

Harvard published a report based on a December 2022 survey of young adults, teens, and parents in the U.S. It states that 36% of young adult respondents reported anxiety compared to 18% of teens. About 29% of young adults reported depression compared to 15% of teens.

While some suggest that it has more to do with the rise of social media and academic and career pressure, others suggest that it has more to do with climate change.

Unlike other generations, Gen Z isn’t quiet about this issue. They’re talking about it and finding ways to cope in a world that appears to be designed to stress them out. 

In this feature, we collaborate with Deepanshi Gupta, a psychotherapist, to understand what’s fueling Gen Z’s anxiety levels. 

What does anxiety mean to Gen Z?

For many Gen Zers, anxiety is gradually turning into a close companion always shadowing them. Unlike the previous generations, they have much more on their plate.

The never-ending pursuit of academic and professional success and the need to stay relevant among peers have created a high-pressure environment for them.

The constant comparison with other people’s lives, facilitated by social media, has resulted in the fear of missing out (FOMO). The feeling often morphs into social anxiety, a constant worry about their online presence, and a nagging feeling of inadequacy. 

“Social media platforms play on the desire for validation and connection. Gen Z is stuck on the endless loop of curated content and social comparison. However, the roots of this anxiety go deeper than just technology,” says Deepanshi.

The constant awareness of large-scale problems further increases this anxiety. Gen Z has grown up in a world that’s constantly facing climate change, political instability, and economic uncertainty. No doubt, it creates a sense of powerlessness and makes the future feel unsafe and highly unpredictable. 

“Our current system often prioritizes productivity and outward success over genuine connection and well-being. This pressurizes people to perform and contributes to the constant state of anxiety many Gen Z individuals experience”, she adds. 

The lines between work and personal life are further blurred by the 24/7 news cycle and constant online connection. There’s no escape from the pressure of being ‘on’ all the time, which increases anxiety and makes it difficult to relax and recharge.

The causes of anxiety

Gen Z isn’t facing anxiety in a vacuum. Several factors work together to create a complex web of influences and contribute to heightened anxiety levels. Here’s a closer look at each of these factors.

1. Social media and constant comparison

Social media isn’t just a platform for connection anymore. It’s a platform of meticulously created reels where people flex the best moments of their lives. This often pushes people to constantly compare their real lives to unrealistic portrayals on social media.

While it is known that people rarely share their bad moments on social media, happy posts can make it difficult to believe they have any bad days at all!

“My stomach churns every time I scroll through social media. Everyone seems to be having this amazing college experience – wild parties, exotic trips, and semesters abroad. 

Meanwhile, I’m stuck in a dorm that feels more like a prison cell, and my social life revolves around the library cafe. Part of me can’t help but wonder, “What if? What if I’d just pushed myself a little harder in high school, maybe I’d be living the same dream life as everyone else.

The worst part is this constant feeling of inadequacy. Like I’m somehow failing at this whole “college” thing. I’ve tried to convince myself I’m happy with what I have, and for the most part, I am.

But deep down, there’s a nagging voice that whispers about regrets, about paths not taken. It’s a battle I fight daily, trying to silence that voice and focus on the positive”, says Sneha, a 22-year-old college student.

Another issue is the rising pressure to maintain a perfect online persona and the fear of missing out. The constant stream of updates and activities online creates a sense that everyone else is having a more exciting life. It can pressure Gen Z to be constantly “on” and connected.

2. Climate change and political unrest

Climate change isn’t abstract for Gen Z, rather it’s a threat manifesting itself through scorching summers, devastating floods, and rising sea levels. 

The Krea University’s Sapien Labs Centre for the Human Brain and Mind recently shared a report on the economic, environmental, and social dynamics of the 21st century.

As per the report, about 51% of the Indian youth between the ages of 18 and 24 are struggling or distressed. The research was based on the information collected from respondents who has internet access between April 2020 and August 2023.

Unsurprisingly, it also showed a decline in mental well-being after the pandemic.

To add to it, the political landscape feels increasingly unstable for Gen Z. Newspapers and news channels are filled with stories of political polarization, governmental dysfunction, and social unrest.

The Harvard report underlines this concern, with 30% of Gen Z respondents citing worries about incompetent or corrupt leadership as a negative influence on their mental health. Witnessing a world seemingly on the brink adds to their sense of powerlessness and fuels anxiety about their own safety and security.

The constant barrage of negative news can create a sense of learned helplessness.  Gen Z may feel like they have no control over these large-scale issues, leading to a cycle of despair and anxiety. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including difficulty concentrating, social withdrawal, and difficulty sleeping.

3. Academic and career pressures

College admissions have become hyper-competitive. Universities require near-perfect grades, the best entrance exam scores, and a laundry list of extracurricular activities.

This pressure to excel in everything is harming the mental health of students. The Harvard report says over 56% of young adults attributed financial worries and achievement pressure (51%) to negatively impacting their mental health.

Not just this, the current educational climate often prioritizes standardized testing and rote memorization over fostering a love of learning and critical thinking. They are more focused on performance metrics which often creates a sense of inadequacy and anxiety in students who may excel in other areas.

“Finals are looming, and the pressure is building inside me like a pressure cooker. Everyone seems to be acing their classes, landing internships at dream companies, while I’m drowning in textbooks and battling imposter syndrome.

Every missed assignment and every bad grade feels like a personal failure,” says Gayathri UT, a 20-year-old college student from Bangalore.

Instagram and YouTube feeds are flooded with carefully curated images of peers excelling academically. This constant comparison fuels feelings of inadequacy and pressure to perform perfectly. The fear of falling behind or not being “good enough” can be paralyzing and lead to anxiety-related issues like procrastination or exam anxiety.

Gayathri continues, “Social media doesn’t help. It’s a constant barrage of perfectly curated success stories – friends nailing their presentations, seniors landing their dream jobs.

My brain spirals into “what ifs”: what if I’d chosen a different major, and studied harder all along? Maybe then the anxiety wouldn’t be this constant companion, gnawing at my confidence.”

4. Economic uncertainty

For Gen Z, financial stability feels like a distant dream. They’ve witnessed economic recessions, soaring educational loan interest rates, and a job market which is increasingly dominated by automation. The unpredictability in the current economy is fueling a deep anxiety within them.

In urban areas, the average cost of college fees is at ₹16,308 per year. The price can climb to more than ₹72,000 annually for those pursuing medical degrees. This has left many Gen Z’s in education loan debt before they even enter the workforce.

The financial burden to afford necessities like housing, healthcare, and starting a family while paying off the debt too is making several people anxious.

Additionally, the job market has undergone a significant shift. Reports suggest that 20,000+ employees were fired from tech companies in April alone. With automation threatening to replace many traditional jobs, the competition to secure positions with good benefits is becoming fierce.

And the uncertainty of finding stable employment and building a successful career is adding another layer of anxiety.

Social media further increases this anxiety. The gap between the rich and the poor seems wider than ever. Gen Z witnesses the lavish lifestyles portrayed on social media and may feel hopeless about ever achieving financial security.

This constant comparison with seemingly unattainable wealth creates feelings of inadequacy and fuels anxiety about their financial future.

The economic uncertainty leads many Gen Z individuals to adopt a hyper-frugal lifestyle. While responsible financial planning is important, the constant worry about finances can become all-consuming.

The anxiety about spending and enjoying life experiences can be a vicious cycle, further limiting their sense of security and well-being.

Finding support and strength to overcome anxiety

Anxiety is a real challenge for Gen Z. The unique pressures from academic expectations to global problems – everything can be overwhelming. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or counselor can be a powerful first step.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, you have free access to mental health resources at MyndStories. Although one can’t battle mental health issues on their own (and we recommend not to try either), MyndStories’ resources can build more awareness. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Therapists can equip you with tools and strategies to manage anxiety, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build resilience.  

Prioritizing your mental well-being is not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength.