The Anxiety Generation: Why 61% of Gen Z Has Been Diagnosed with Anxiety

The Anxiety Generation: Why Gen Z Faces So Much Pressure

Anxiety has become a near-constant in our lives, especially for those of us in Gen Z. From school deadlines to skyrocketing rent, it often feels like we’re on a never-ending treadmill of pressures—and we’re supposed to keep up without letting it show. I wasn’t even surprised when I found out that 61% of Gen Z has been medically diagnosed with anxiety. It’s like we’ve been handed a rulebook that keeps changing, and at this point, anxiety feels as normal as scrolling through social media.

With all the big issues hanging over us—our financial future, climate change, a 24/7 news cycle full of global crises—it’s no wonder that so many of us struggle with mental health. Anxiety for Gen Z isn’t just a passing feeling; it’s this low-key (or not so low-key) weight we carry every day. And sure, we’ve been labeled the “anxiety generation,” but it’s not just a label—it’s the reality we live in.

The Pressure of Finances and Future Uncertainty

Let’s talk money for a second because, for a lot of us, that’s a huge source of anxiety. 50% of Gen Z is anxious about our long-term financial future. We’re graduating into a world where housing is practically unaffordable, student loans feel like a life sentence, and day-to-day expenses just keep climbing. We’re expected to somehow save for a future that, to be honest, feels pretty shaky. And even when we’re doing all the “right” things—like getting degrees or working multiple jobs—it still feels like it might not be enough.

“It’s like every dollar has to stretch farther than ever,” says Maya, 23, from Denver, CO. “I’m constantly worrying if I’ll be able to afford rent, or if there’ll even be any jobs left in my field when I graduate. That stress is just... always there.”

For Maya and so many others, financial stability feels more like a dream than a reality. We’re constantly being told to “think long-term,” but the day-to-day expenses alone are overwhelming. And that anxiety about money seeps into everything else—our career choices, where we live, whether we feel stable enough to start families someday. It’s hard to feel calm when our entire financial future seems one bad month away from falling apart.

Climate Change: The Existential Weight We Carry

Climate change is another anxiety that never quite leaves us. Growing up in a world where natural disasters, melting ice caps, and extreme weather are the norm has put this environmental pressure on us in a way older generations didn’t have to face as much. About 20% of Gen Z is highly concerned about climate change, and I’d argue that’s an understatement for many of us. We’re taught in school about what might happen, but it’s not a distant “maybe” for us—it’s real, and we’re seeing the effects all around us.

“I have nightmares about climate disasters,” says Jamie, 22, from Portland, OR. “When you’re constantly hearing that our future is at risk, it’s hard to feel hopeful about anything. It’s like, what’s the point of planning for a future that might not even be there?”

Jamie’s not alone. Climate anxiety is a real, paralyzing thing for a lot of us. It’s not like we don’t care or aren’t trying—many of us recycle, go plant-based, protest, and support sustainability. But at the same time, the scope of climate change feels so massive that it’s easy to feel helpless. And when this anxiety lingers, it affects every aspect of our lives, from how we think about careers to whether we want to have kids.

Global Crises and the Non-Stop News Cycle

Growing up with the internet means we’ve had front-row seats to every crisis—mass shootings, political upheaval, and a global pandemic. This constant exposure has made 40% of Gen Z feel stressed or anxious most of the time. There’s no such thing as “disconnecting,” especially when every scroll on our phones brings us another headline about the world falling apart.

“It’s impossible to ignore all the crises happening at once,” says Aidan, 20, from Chicago, IL. “You see a school shooting, a flood, a pandemic update, all in one day. I try to stay informed, but it just adds to my anxiety because it feels like there’s nothing I can do to make things better.”

For Aidan and so many of us, there’s this strange pressure to stay “in the know” and engaged, even though it takes a toll. Sometimes, knowing more makes us feel less capable of changing anything. It’s a cycle of stress—scrolling, reading, feeling helpless, repeating—that makes it hard to separate ourselves from the world’s problems.

Why Gen Z is Seeking Help More Than Ever

Despite all this, there’s one bright spot: we’re also the generation that’s leading the way in mental health conversations. Two out of five Gen Zers attend therapy regularly, and 87% feel comfortable talking about mental health. It’s like we’ve realized that ignoring anxiety won’t make it go away, so we’re finding ways to cope and support each other. Therapy, online support communities, and open conversations are becoming our go-to tools for navigating all these pressures.

For us, mental health isn’t a taboo—it’s a part of life. We know anxiety isn’t just “in our heads”; it’s a response to real-world issues. And while we’re often overwhelmed by everything we’re up against, at least we’re not afraid to say it out loud. We’re learning how to manage anxiety and cope with an unpredictable world, even if that means rewriting the rulebook for how we deal with stress.

Turning to Therapy and Support Like Never Before

One of the most defining characteristics of Gen Z’s approach to mental health is our willingness to seek help and support openly. With mental health struggles affecting so many of us—42% of Gen Z reports dealing with depression—our generation has shifted away from the “tough it out” mentality of the past. Therapy has become almost a norm, with 53% of Gen Z having sought professional mental health services at some point, and two out of five regularly attending therapy sessions. For us, therapy isn’t just for crisis moments; it’s a proactive tool to manage life’s complexities.

“I used to think therapy was only for ‘big problems,’ but it’s honestly just as important as physical health,” says Erin, 22, from Phoenix, AZ. “Talking to someone regularly keeps me grounded in a way I didn’t think was possible.”

Even the stigma around discussing mental health has drastically decreased. 87% of Gen Z-ers feel comfortable talking about their mental health, whether it’s with friends, family, or online. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also given rise to “mental health influencers” who openly discuss issues like anxiety and depression, making it easier for others to relate and feel less alone.

Despite the heavy weight of stressors in our lives, this openness has allowed Gen Z to find community and solidarity. We may be known as the “anxiety generation,” but we’re not just accepting that—we’re actively rewriting what it means to care for mental health. For us, talking about mental health is part of daily life, and therapy is just another tool to stay balanced in a chaotic world.

As we move forward, Gen Z is navigating anxiety with courage and a willingness to challenge the stigma around mental health. While financial pressure, climate fears, and a relentless news cycle can make life feel overwhelming, our generation is proving that we won’t let anxiety define us. We’re talking openly, embracing therapy, and building support systems to keep going—even when the world feels uncertain.

Our anxiety might be high, but so is our resilience. We’re rewriting the script for how to handle stress, how to seek help, and how to support each other. For Gen Z, mental health isn’t a hush-hush topic but a real part of our lives. By being open, we’re creating a culture that prioritizes well-being and embraces authenticity.

Keep following Woke Waves Magazine for more insights into how Gen Z is shaping the future of mental health and well-being.

#GenZAnxiety #MentalHealthAwareness #ClimateChangeAnxiety #TherapyGeneration #GenZMentalHealth