Are Gen Z More Depressed?

Members of Gen Z are coming of age in a time like no other. Born between 1996 and 2013, this generation faces a lot of uncertainty about the world around them. From the climate crisis to the pandemic, it’s no wonder Gen Z is more depressed than other generations.

Depression can feel inescapable. It can sap us of our energy and isolate us from loved ones. Gen Z is rightfully concerned about the future of our world and their place in it. Learn why Gen Z might be more depressed, and some healthy ways for all ages to cope with feelings of depression.

Gen Z Mental Health Statistics

Members of Gen Z indeed face higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression than generations before them. Between 2009 and 2017, depression rates increased by more than 51% in young adults and teens aged 12-21 years old. And Gen Z knows that it’s a problem. The Pew Research Center reported that more than 70% of teens today consider anxiety and depression significant problems facing their peers.

Depression can make it difficult to live a fulfilling life. Sadly, it can also be fatal. The rise in depression amongst Gen Z is a serious problem: between 2007 and 2018, suicide rates increased by almost 60% for people aged 10-24.

Why Is Gen Z Depressed?

Every generation faces unique challenges, but Gen Z is staring down a particularly uncertain future. They were born into a post-9/11 world of mistrust and heightened violence. The #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter movements brought attention to the discrimination women and people of color have always faced. Gen Z grew up with more access to technology during childhood than any other generation. While they have access to more information and support than ever before, they’re dealing with more sources of stress, too.

Gen Z and Technology

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with technology at their fingertips. And studies are finding that Gen Z might be more online than any other generation. One survey found that almost half of Gen Z spend 10 hours or more online per day.

Technology has the power to connect us to the world. But it can also make us feel isolated, or like we’re missing out. Since the pandemic, most generations, including Gen Z, have had to shift their lives online. With that comes more exposure to negative news stories and online content featuring harmful ideas. For example, on TikTok, teenagers might encounter content based on cyberbullying, self-harm, and disordered eating.

Not to mention, social media can make us compare ourselves to others. TikTok and Instagram show us other people’s highlight reels. It doesn’t reflect reality, but when we see other people leading happy lives, it can be easy to feel down about our lives in comparison. Social media also exposes us to unrealistic beauty standards. It’s easy to fall into comparing ourselves to models, influencers, and celebrities we follow online. The Wall Street Journal reports that photo-based social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok, contribute to body image issues for 1 in every 3 teenage girls.

The COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic changed all of our lives. Many of us lost loved ones, and we all lost a sense of normalcy for several years. Those in Gen Z were between 7 and 24 years old when the U.S. first went into lockdown. During their crucial childhood and early adulthood years, they lost access to the outside world. Their lives went completely online. They missed out on the personal growth and connection that’s much more easily fostered in person with friends, teachers, and community members. In the first few months of the pandemic, a Gallup poll found that almost 30% of parents surveyed said their child was experiencing harm to their mental health because of school closures and social distancing.

The pandemic was also challenging for older Gen Zs. Recent college grads in 2020 had job offers rescinded or put on hold. The APA’s Stress in America 2021 Survey found that 37% of Gen Z adults were so stressed about the pandemic they struggled to make basic decisions, and 50% struggled to make major life decisions. Of those, 45% said that they didn’t know how to manage their pandemic-related stress.

The pandemic wasn’t easy for any of us. But for Gen Z, the world shut down during some of the most formative years of their lives. Now that the pandemic is over, Gen Z is once again able to connect with others in person. But there’s no changing the fact that they spent several years growing up in relative isolation and uncertainty.

Climate Change and Gen Z’s Future

Compared to other generations, Gen Z is more concerned about climate change and the future of our planet. One climate anxiety study surveyed 10,000 people from 10 different countries, all between the ages of 16 and 25. The authors concluded:

“Distress about climate change is associated with young people perceiving that they have no future, that humanity is doomed, that governments are failing to respond adequately, and with feelings of betrayal and abandonment by governments and adults. These are chronic stressors which will have significant, long-lasting and incremental negative implications on the mental health of children and young people.”

Gen Z is Seeking Help

The good news is that more than other generations before them, Gen Z is willing to seek help for their mental health. In fact, 37% of Gen Z reports having worked with a mental health professional already—higher than any previous generation. Many Gen Zers are more comfortable talking about mental health than older generations. Gen Z may have higher recorded rates of depression in part because they’re more willing to get diagnosed and share that diagnosis in surveys.

Of course, there’s still work to be done around the stigma of mental health. And while it’s wonderful that Gen Z is seeking professional help for depression, access can still be a problem. For example, in 2020, only 41.6% of teenagers who experienced a major depressive episode received mental health treatment. This is especially true for young people in marginalized communities. A 2022 survey by the Trevor Project found that 60% of LGBTQIA+ youth who wanted mental health care weren’t able to get it. And while people of color in the U.S. experience the same or higher levels of mental illness than white Americans, they have less access to quality care.

Mental Health Tips for Gen Z

Nurturing your mental health is essential at every stage of life. If you’re feeling low, there are various ways to improve your well-being. Note that if you think you might be struggling with depression, it’s important to receive compassionate and personalized care in addition to the tips below.

Mindfulness Meditation

Numerous studies show that meditation reduces psychological stress and improves overall well-being. At The Sanctuary, our therapists guide mindfulness meditation sessions to help you learn new coping mechanisms to deal with anxiety, stress, and depression.

Mindfulness meditation works by training your brain to focus on the now. When you pay attention to the present moment, you can slow down your thoughts and reduce your body’s natural stress responses. Mindfulness has other health benefits, too. It can help relieve pain, lower your heart rate, and help you sleep better. When you feel better physically, it’s easier to feel better mentally.

Breathwork Therapy

Breathwork is another powerful tool to ground you in the present moment and counteract negative emotions. At The Sanctuary, we use holotropic breathwork therapy to help you process difficult feelings and memories in a safe, supervised environment.

Holotropic breathwork can help you to release stress, grow self-awareness, and overcome uncomfortable thoughts. At The Sanctuary, breathwork therapy is used holistically alongside other treatments to help you heal the root of your depression. Studies find that holotropic breathwork is a potent tool when used alongside psychotherapy.

Exercise

Regular exercise not only benefits your physical health, but also plays a significant role in supporting your mental well-being. Even a single exercise session can improve your mood and reduce anxiety and depression. That’s because exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals.

Clients at The Sanctuary participate in holistic exercise. Holistic exercise addresses your whole being, it’s not about just working towards physical gains. This encourages you to find an exercise you truly enjoy and want to keep doing. Many of our clients experience improved mental health, better mental clarity, and improved self-image after implementing a holistic exercise practice.

Nutritional Therapy

The food we eat can greatly affect how we feel. At The Sanctuary, we use an anti-inflammatory diet rich with yummy, nutritional foods. Eating more foods that fight inflammation can help boost your mood naturally. Here are a few foods you can focus on incorporating into your diet to fight inflammation and feel better:

Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
Vegetables, especially leafy greens like spinach and kale
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines
Whole, unmodified grains
Olive and coconut oils

At The Sanctuary, we prioritize your mental health and are here to guide you on your journey toward well-being. By incorporating these practices into your routine and seeking professional assistance, you can make significant strides in improving your mental health, regardless of your age.

Healing Depression in Gen Z

Many depression treatment programs consider depression as an incurable condition you just have to manage. At The Sanctuary, we believe in teaching people how to heal their depression. Let’s take a look at some of the common treatments for depression, and how you might be able to use them on your healing journey.

Medication

Medication can be a necessary step for many people with depression because it can make symptoms more manageable. But medication doesn’t get to the root cause of depression.

One study found that while only 13% of patients with depression got adequate therapy, almost 50% were prescribed antidepressants. Antidepressant prescriptions rose 35% in just the last six years. And while they can help ease depression symptoms, recent research shows depression medications can actually cause the symptoms they’re meant to fix.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gestalt therapy, can help people to heal their depression. Psychotherapy provides a space to talk about the challenges you’re facing and to dig deep into the negative thought patterns that can lead to depression. Plus, it can help you learn how to manage difficult emotions and develop healthy coping strategies moving forward.

Holistic Therapies

Depression is more than just a mental health condition – it can affect every aspect of the self. Holistic therapies help to heal the whole self, not just the symptoms that rise to the surface. Bodywork, energy medicine therapy, ecotherapy, mindfulness meditation – all of these holistic therapies, plus more, can help you heal your body, spirit, and soul alongside your brain. At The Sanctuary, we use a wide range of holistic therapies to help you heal your whole self from depression:

An anti-inflammatory diet, natural brain-health supplements, and calming activities like ecotherapy and meditation help to heal your brain.
Bodywork and energy medicine help to release depression from your cells and the subtle energetic causes of depression from your energetic field.
Rituals, rites of passage, and therapeutic creativity help to heal your soul from depression and restore your passion for life.

How to Help a Loved One With Depression

If someone you know is experiencing depression, there are ways you can help. You can offer an empathetic ear and listen to what they share with you. You can let them know you’re there for them, and offer to help with everyday tasks their depression makes it hard to complete. Try to be patient with loved ones with depression: recovery takes time. And just because they seem like they’re functioning, doesn’t mean they feel like themselves on the inside.

Another way you can help someone in your life deal with depression is to help them search for effective recovery programs. They might be unsure how to find what they need, or overwhelmed at the idea of finding treatment on their own. Finding a residential depression treatment program, like The Sanctuary, could be an important next step in their healing.

Holistic, Integrative Treatment for Depression at The Sanctuary

Most depression rehabilitation programs often concentrate solely on addressing the symptoms of a condition. At The Sanctuary, we offer a holistic treatment program that treats depression from its core and promotes inner healing.

We integrate a variety of evidence-based practices, as well as the profound wisdom found in Indigenous traditions and holistic treatments. This combination provides a personalized and transformative experience to guide you toward lasting freedom from depression.

The journey towards holistic depression treatment at The Sanctuary begins by nurturing your nervous system and alleviating the distressing symptoms you may be experiencing. Our primary goal is to help you find relief and gradually regain a sense of well-being. However, we don’t stop there. We understand that true healing requires delving deeper into the root causes of your depression.

That’s why our focus is not solely on managing symptoms with medication, but rather on healing you from the inside out. Our approach is integrative, drawing from peer-reviewed scientific research and using complementary treatments. By tailoring our methods to your unique needs and circumstances, we can truly understand your individual relationship with depression and explore its underlying drivers.

Ultimately, our purpose at The Sanctuary is to empower you on your journey toward healing. With our comprehensive approach, we aim to guide you toward a future free from the grip of depression, where joy and fulfillment can flourish once more.