Generation Z, increasingly sad and anxious

We call Generation Z many things. They are, for example, those digital natives who see new technologies as their way of understanding the world and managing in it. They are also those boys and girls who were born in the 21st century, with what this means at all levels. Uncertainty, social changes, scientific advances and even a pandemic.

Now, if there is something that seems to define this new generation of young people, it is their problems with mental health. They belong to that part of the population that, despite being more connected to other people, feels more alone than ever. It is true that there are exceptions. Many are defined by the enthusiasm typical of any person whose youth is full of dreams, strengths and happiness.

However, we cannot blindfold ourselves to the obvious reality. Last year the Mental Health Million Project, a report that provides scientific data on the mental well-being of the world’s population. And the conclusions are clear. 44% of people between 18 and 24 years old show serious psychological problems.

Teenagers have more negative and obsessive thoughts than generations in their 50s and 60s.

What is happening with generation Z?

We mentioned at the beginning that we call generation Z in many ways. One of them is “the crystal or transparent generation.” The pandemic has caused, according to experts, a fourth wave of mental health to occur that affects the younger population to a greater extent.. But let’s not be mistaken.

Many of these problems were already latent in more than one adolescent or young adult. The current circumstances have only increased a hidden reality. Are we perhaps facing the generation that is better prepared, but unhappier than the previous ones? The answer is more complex than we may think, and it is interesting to delve into each aspect.

Apathy as a response to academic and work frustration

Generation Z, like millennials, they feel tremendously frustrated. Both generations were educated in the idea that every effort had its benefit. Its notable reward. However, having excellent training does not mean finding a job that matches one’s skills. In general, the labor market for young people is precarious.

A good part of these young people born between 1995 and 2000 feel high academic and work anxiety. They are highly demanding, creative and committed, but they know that the world does not offer an adequate response to their needs.. And it is very possible that your situation will not improve tomorrow. This ends up generating apathy and disaffection.

The impact of understanding the world (and themselves) through social media

Currently, the construction of the “I” of every child and adolescent is also nourished by the digital world. The image they have of themselves has a direct relationship with social networks. It is in this environment where they seek their daily reinforcements, here where they compare themselves and begin, in many cases, to hate their bodies or to long for other lives very different from their own.

Research from the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf highlights something important. The intensive use of social networks increases everything from stress and impulsivity to poor emotional regulation.

Likewise, there is another obvious problem. Although new technologies appear to facilitate the connection of adolescents, in reality, what they foster are clearly distorted relationships. Young people feel increasingly isolated and it is common that a good part of them have suffered some form of harassment on some occasion. on-line.

A generation poorly prepared on an emotional level

If we say that Generation Z has poor emotional skills, it is likely that more than one will experience confusion. Does that mean that previous generations were more skilled? In reality, people aged 40 or 50 grew up in a very different context than, for example, our teenagers.

Perhaps the problem lies, in part, in the overprotection they receive from their fathers and mothers. Those parents who hover over their children, satisfying every need, making life easy and responding to every demand, tend to “fragilize” the character of these new generations even more.

They are boys and girls who are not very resistant to frustration. In a reality increasingly dominated by immediacy, “I want it now and I want it now” causes people to get bored quickly. and they barely develop adequate emotional self-regulation.

Although we talk more and more about mental health today, we still do not provide an adequate response to those who need it.

Individualism and “survive as you can” in Generation Z

Generation Z has been educated in an increasingly individualistic and polarized social context. We are not wrong if we say that narcissistic behavior is increasingly common. The cult of the self, of satisfying one’s own needs and obtaining what one wants in the present moment at all costs, attacking the other, seems a constant today.

Social networks are also catalysts for a problem of values ​​and fierce individualism. Relationships are increasingly fluid, they expire soon and other relationships are sought at the click of a button.. It’s not difficult to understand why Generation Z feels empty, lacking in prospects, and anxious.

In a context dominated by “survive as you can”, they barely find resources and support when they need help. Because It is very good to make mental health problems visible, but normalizing a reality and not responding to it is not so good.. The sadness and disaffection of our young people is, in large part, our failure as a society.

We need a profound change and above all, expand and improve psychological assistance services.

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