Depression among Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) has reached alarming levels, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The study, which surveyed over 50,000 young adults across 30 countries, found that nearly 40% of Gen Z respondents reported symptoms consistent with moderate to severe depression—a sharp increase from previous generations at the same age. Experts attribute this troubling trend to a combination of social media overuse, economic instability, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social media, in particular, has come under scrutiny. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer connection and entertainment, they also foster unrealistic comparisons, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption. Dr. Sarah Lin, a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health, explained, “Young people today are bombarded with curated images of perfection. They see influencers with seemingly flawless lives and internalize the idea that they’re falling short. This creates a constant sense of inadequacy.”
Economic pressures are another major factor. Many Gen Zers entered adulthood during a time of soaring student debt, unaffordable housing, and precarious job markets. Unlike previous generations, they face the added anxiety of climate change and global political instability. “There’s a pervasive sense of hopelessness,” said sociologist Dr. Marcus Greene. “When young people don’t see a clear path to stability, it’s natural for depression to take hold.”
The WHO report also highlights disparities in access to mental health care. While awareness of depression has grown, many Gen Z individuals still struggle to find affordable therapy or face long waiting lists. Teletherapy has helped bridge some gaps, but stigma remains a barrier, especially in conservative communities.
Some countries are taking action. In Scandinavia, schools have implemented mandatory mental health education, while New Zealand recently launched a nationwide program offering free counseling to anyone under 25. However, experts argue that systemic changes—such as regulating social media algorithms, increasing wages, and expanding mental health services—are needed to reverse the trend.
For now, young people are finding ways to cope. Online peer support groups, mindfulness apps, and creative outlets like journaling and art therapy are becoming increasingly popular. “We need to listen to Gen Z,” Dr. Lin emphasized. “Their struggles are real, and they’re calling for a world that supports their mental well-being.”
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