Why Gen Z Struggles with Anxiety

What are the primary causes of anxiety in Gen Z?

Gen Z faces unique challenges that contribute to their anxiety. Various factors intensify this issue:

• Societal Pressures:

  • The need to excel in academics and extracurricular activities.
  • High expectations for early career success and financial independence.

• Social Media Influence:

  • Constant comparison to curated images and lifestyles.
  • Fear of missing out (FOMO) and cyberbullying.

• Economic Uncertainties:

  • Concerns about job stability and future financial security.
  • Rising student debt and housing costs.

These elements combine to create a significant burden on the mental health of young adults, exacerbating their anxiety levels.

How does an external locus of control affect Gen Z?

An external locus of control means that individuals believe their lives are controlled by external factors rather than their own efforts. This belief can significantly impact Gen Z's sense of efficacy and self-worth.

"They report an external locus of control, meaning they don't think they can improve their lives." — Abigail Shrier

When young people feel they lack control, they may experience increased anxiety and hesitation in taking risks or starting new ventures. This can result in a reluctance to pursue leadership roles or innovative projects.

"They don’t want to be in charge. They're afraid, and they don't feel up to it." — Abigail Shrier

Overall, an external locus of control can lead to a passive approach to life, reducing motivation to overcome challenges and pursue personal growth.

Why might traditional therapy not be effective for Gen Z?

Traditional therapy may not be the best solution for Gen Z. Abigail Shrier argues that it can often do more harm than good. Here are the main limitations:

• Risks of Rumination:

  • Regularly focusing on bad feelings can worsen anxiety and sadness.
  • The Wise Teens Program study showed that teaching coping techniques increased anxiety.

• Overemphasis on Mental Health:

  • Constantly talking about problems can make them grow.
  • Therapists might indulge ruminating behaviors, which prevent healthy coping.

• Commercial Incentives:

  • Therapists may prefer treating less severe cases for longer periods, creating income streams.
  • Serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia are often avoided due to treatment difficulty.

In summary, the traditional therapeutic approach might exacerbate mental health issues in Gen Z by focusing too much on their problems and creating a dependency on therapy.

What are the risks of over-focusing on mental health issues?

Constantly focusing on mental health issues can have several downsides. This overemphasis may lead to increased anxiety and sadness, particularly among young adults.

Here are some key risks:

• Increased Anxiety:

  • Regular rumination on negative feelings can amplify anxiety.
  • The Wise Teens Program in Australia aimed to help with emotional regulation. However, it made kids sadder and more anxious.

• Decline in Mental Health:

  • Constantly talking about problems can make them grow and seem worse.
  • Shrier notes that regularly thinking about bad feelings can worsen one's mental state.

"Regularly ruminating on your bad feelings can make you feel worse."

• Dependence on Therapy:
  • Over-focusing on mental health may create a dependency on therapy.
  • Therapists might indulge ruminating behaviors, which prevent healthy coping.

In summary, while addressing mental health is crucial, an overemphasis can actually exacerbate the issues it aims to solve.

What alternative coping mechanisms can help Gen Z?

When traditional therapy falls short, alternative coping mechanisms may prove more effective for Gen Z. Here are some options:

• Physical Activities:

  • Engaging in sports or exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety.
  • Activities like yoga and mindfulness can help manage stress.

• Building Resilience:

  • Teaching resilience skills encourages facing challenges head-on.
  • Emphasizing stories of human resilience and survival can inspire persistence.

• Practical Problem-Solving Strategies:

  • Encouraging hands-on problem-solving can enhance a sense of control.
  • Fostering a "shake it off" mentality can help in overcoming minor setbacks.

• Balanced Emotional Regulation:

  • Avoiding over-rumination by focusing on positive actions.
  • Limiting discussions about minor stressors to prevent magnifying the issues.

Implementing these strategies can help Gen Z develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their overall mental health.