Generation Z needs more positivity

Gen Z’ers are experiencing higher rates of mental health issues

Megan Valadez / Assistant Opinion Editor / The USD Vista

I am a 20-year-old woman who is quite active on social media. I rarely post on my accounts, but I love looking at what others post. I belong to what’s called Generation Z, or Gen Z, which includes people born between 1996 to 2012. 

Much of the mental health issues Gen Z face have to do with technology, specifically, smartphones. We grew up in a world where social media was always at our fingertips and by the time the oldest Gen Z’ers were teenagers, social interaction began to move from in-person to online. 

Nevertheless, Gen Z is experiencing much higher rates of mental health issues than the generation before them (Millennials). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), depression among teens and young adults has doubled in just eight years. In 2019, nearly one out of four teen girls in the United States experienced clinical-level depression – which was before the pandemic hit. Social media and unrealistic beauty standards, as well as a lack of interaction and the pandemic have impacted all of Gen Z, especially young girls and people of color. 

The pandemic taught us that digital technology and communication are always available. Unfortunately, that is also a major disadvantage. When we are having a bad day, we turn to our phones – TikTok or Twitter are immediately available if we  need a good laugh, or Gigi Hadid’s Instagram page if we are hating ourselves. 

I learned from a young age, from many therapy sessions, that the only person I need to worry about is myself and my own well-being. I learned how to take social media breaks and instead, how to pick up a book or a hobby that makes me happy. I learned that the only approval I will ever need is my own. 

Unfortunately, many young people do not think the same way I do, and that is okay. People feel constant pressure to keep up on social media, by always posting, commenting, and keeping up with the thousands of lives that surround them. 

Those who want to disconnect from social media platforms find it difficult because too many young people have F.O.M.O, or the fear of missing out, and they feel obligated to be on social media 24/7. 

Because younger people do not get off these social media platforms, they often end up spending the majority of their time seeking approval from others and wondering if they’re good enough, especially young girls. This cycle of staying up-to-date and seeking approval is exhausting for our bodies and our mental health.

Being on social media means that we spend less time doing things that better our mental health, such as exercising, sleeping, and even interacting face-to-face with people. But, stopping the use of social media is easier said than done. 

Though social media has been bad for mental health in many ways, there are some positives. Social media is now being used as a platform to bring awareness to mental health and body image issues, as well as sparking open conversations about these topics. 

Lately, I have seen more and more social media accounts promoting healthier lifestyles and habits. For example, one woman I follow on Instagram (@matildadjerf), who you may know for her wonderful curtain bangs, uses her platform to promote body positivity among young women. She reminds her followers to listen to and fuel their bodies, gives daily affirmations, and so much more. 

We need more people like her on social media because I am so tired of seeing young girls and women compare themselves to plastic surgery filled women like the Kardashians. These famous icons give people, especially young women, unrealistic expectations of body image, which then results in higher levels of anxiety and depression in young boys and girls. 

I would argue, too, that the issues of the past year and a half, such as the pandemic, social unrest, and political stresses have evoked intense feelings of isolation, loneliness, and stress in youths. 

It’s important to talk about how Gen Z’ers’ mental health and wellness are impacted. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) says Gen Z’ers of color are also more likely than their white peers to encounter issue-specific stress, such as fears tied to food and housing insecurity, debt, and law enforcement. People of color are more likely to suppress or ignore their emotions because mental health care and illness are often stigmatized. Racial and ethnic disparities in health care also play a large role, as many people struggle to find professionals who understand their backgrounds and concerns. 

Education during the pandemic can positively contribute to Gen Z’s mental health. Schools act as a safety net for youths and their families, as they provide meals, medical screenings, and support services, such as counselors. Many students did not have the adequate technology in order to succeed in online learning, this especially disproportionately affected students of color. 

Personally, the use of technology and social media negatively impacted how I interact with people in person. I lost so many social skills, especially during the pandemic, and my social anxiety is the highest it’s ever been. I have been on anxiety medication for some time, and I am lucky enough that I was able to realize I needed help. Others have a harder time admitting they need help. 

Fortunately, Gen Z is known as the generation that is the most transparent about mental health. Our generation is more open, aware, and accepting of mental health concerns, which has led to more open discussions about psychological problems and how to manage stress in schools, workplaces, sports, and even in the news. 

For example, Gen Z took the hard step of breaking the stigma around mental health. We have begun to be open with each other, whether that be on social media or in person, about our struggles and how we deal with them. We have more resources than ever before when it comes to therapy, such as online therapists and helpful medications. 

When one person comes forward about their struggles, it encourages others to do so as well. When we are open and honest about our feelings we are better people and we create a better and healthier world. When we take time out of our day to meditate, journal, work out, read a book, go for a walk, tan on the beach – whatever it is, we have more uplifting and positive outlooks on life. We need to continue to work together to help one another and promote positivity in all aspects of life on social media and with each other.