Gen Z in US are more miserable than previous generations, 1 in 4 young adults seeking treatment for depression: Poll

Gen Z is more miserable than previous generation with 1 in 4 are being treated for depression, the New York Post reported citing a recent poll. As per the new Gallup Life Evaluation Index poll, less than half of Gen Z now describing their lives as “thriving”. The survey found that only 44% of young adults aged 18 to 29 considered themselves thriving, down from 64% in 2010. Only during Covid pandemic, life satisfaction was less than now when it fell from 57% to 39% in 2020. Although the figure recovered to 51% in 2023, it has since declined again. Meanwhile, the report also claimed that 27% of adults aged 18 to 29 are now seeking treatment for depression, an increase of 11 percentage points since 2019.

The Gallup poll found that several indicators of well-being among young adults have weakened in recent years. Only 47% of respondents said their relationships with their spouse, partner or closest friends were stronger than ever, compared with 65% in 2019. The proportion of Gen Z adults who reported experiencing joy on a given day also fell by 17 percentage points to 64%.

Productivity has declined as well. Just 28% of young adults said they felt active and productive every day during the previous week, down 16 percentage points from 2019. The poll also found that only about one-third of Gen Z respondents had a leader in their lives who inspired enthusiasm about the future. That figure was down from 47% in 2019.

Why Gen Zs are depressed

Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up with widespread access to smartphones and online platforms from an early age. Research has linked heavy social media use with mental health concerns, including depression and eating disorders. Dr Katrina Furey, a Connecticut-based psychiatrist, attributed it to the pandemic-related isolation. “The social isolation of COVID-19 during their formative developmental years for sure has left a lasting impact,” she told the Post.

Economic concerns are another factor reflected in the survey. Housing costs and other expenses have made financial independence more challenging for many young adults, while comparisons with peers may influence how they assess their own progress. Only 41% of young adults said they were satisfied with their standard of living compared with people their age, a decline of 14 percentage points since 2019.

In the poll, just 31% reported reaching most of their goals, compared with 44% previously. These findings suggest that concerns about financial security, personal achievements and future prospects are contributing to a wider decline in reported well-being.

Millennials and Gen X also face challenges

But Gen Zs are not alone. Among adults aged 30 to 44, who largely belong to the Millennial generation, only 45% described themselves as thriving. Gen X, comprising adults aged 45 to 64, has experienced a less pronounced decline in positive life evaluations. However, the 46% who reported thriving matched the generation's low recorded in 2008, during the global financial crisis.

Older Americans have reported a different trend. The share of adults aged 65 and older who described themselves as thriving rose from 38% in 2008 to a projected 53% in 2026. The figure is in line with the record high recorded in 2021, suggesting that life satisfaction among Baby Boomers has improved even as younger generations report growing difficulties.