Generation Z (Gen-Z) is known as a digital native. As the predecessors of Generation Alpha and successors of Millennials, we are the first generation to grow up with the Internet as part of our daily lives. Born between 1997 and 2012, we are known for being tech-savvy, open-minded, competitive, and independent. Another great thing about Gen Z? We walk around as if we are the happiest people, even though we have the most terrifying thoughts inside of us. Generation Z, an advanced-age indigenous population, is the least likely of all generations to report good mental health overall. 18% of Gen Z report having an anxiety disorder and 23% report being diagnosed with depression, all higher rates than other generations (Howarth, 2023). There are currently approximately 68.6 million Gen Z members in the United States. Approximately 11,689 of them attend her USM, so we are not left behind. Numbers don’t lie. Generation Z? We’re screwed. This is not talked about enough.
Why are the most developed generations most likely to knock on a therapist’s door? How are we more connected than ever, yet still lonelier than ever (73%)? Isn’t it supposed to be easy to deal with? Doesn’t an easy life correspond to an easy life? Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Life comfort appears to be a strong predictor of high depression rates. Adversity is a powerful precursor to prosperity. Does that mean all adversity leads to prosperity? of course not. The point is that we have been given a very easy spoon and are faced with the reality that “fast money brings slow problems”. Even though technology has advanced and life has become easier, “approximately 61% of us report feeling nervous, irritable, or anxious.” As evidence of such statistics. , during my first semester in Fall 2023, a student tragically passed away on campus.
“The word mental health seems to have been forgotten on campus,” said an anonymous Miss Southern student. “There’s too much sloppiness around here.” Sounds a little harsh? Madison Hankins, a British creative writing graduate student, said it better when she said, “Contracts aren’t laundered, but contract terms can be.”
Mental health has become synonymous with feeling good about everything. People want to live a smooth and easy life, not a fulfilling life. Paradoxically, the former produces more frustration, while the other produces some happiness. Neuroscience proves this. Dopamine, the feel-good hormone, is released when you do something challenging. As unpleasant as it may sound, none of us will be able to maintain our mental health if we take the easy route. This is not a science debriefing, but a reality check. The paradox of the game of life is that winners are comfortable with being uncomfortable. Gen Z is the loneliest generation in history (73% according to Forbes) as they choose comfortable, superficial scrolling on social media over going out and having meaningful conversations in real life. The latter is more difficult but brings long-term fulfillment, while the former brings long-term depression.
Student Sarah shared her experience with mental health issues during her undergraduate years. “I tried to cope with everything,” she said. “It was tough because everyone around me was going through the same thing or worse.”
Yes, this consensus is a reality, but one of the best ways to deal with this problem is to find a community. How do I find community? Start small. Take action and make it easier. Talk to the person next to you during class. Sounds easy, but for many people this is very difficult. The more difficult it is, the more reason to do it.
Dr Vera McGill English students are an ideal case study. “As an undergraduate, I struggled with depression, and my therapist advised me not to take out my books during class and to talk to the person next to her,” she said.
McGill, a British student here at USM as a PhD, is grateful to have made the uncomfortable decision, to be part of a wonderful community, and has never felt better.
Is talking to your neighbors like climbing a mountain? Let’s start with ourselves. Let’s start with self-care. Start by changing your habits. The true definition of learning is a change in behavior in response to a specific situation. Let’s start with accountability. Start with self-reflection. And start a habit that will change your life. The hard truth is that you are the reason you are lonely. Start by going to the gym, journaling, volunteering, reading a great book, or meditating. The point of these is to force you to step out of your comfort zone and “act.” Increasing your actions will make you feel better and increase your self-confidence. According to neuroscience research, these are real sources of dopamine because while they may not be the most enjoyable thing to do at the moment, they are the best thing for life. Take small steps and see great results. If you focus on improving by 1% every day, you’ll improve by 37.78% by the end of the year.
“I’m not an extrovert.” That’s no excuse. Both introverts and extroverts have their share of experiences with mental health issues. USM student Haley Stringer explains that as an introvert, she has never felt lonely or depressed. Alone time can be great for the mind and soul. This is the perfect time to implement the life-changing habits mentioned above. Like stringers, balance is required.
“I have a group of friends that I hang out with,” Stringer said. “But I also like spending time alone.” Stringer has gotten better at balancing time with friends and time for herself. Balance is the key to life.
Environment is a huge factor in good mental health. Kurt Lewin’s definition of behavior states that “behavior is the function of people in their environment.” If your environment is causing you to feel depressed, anxious, or lonely, you need to either duly modify it or leave it completely. Your friends can also be your environment. If it doesn’t help, leave it alone. It may seem difficult, but there is nothing more liberating than this.
This isn’t about making you feel better. This is a wake up call. Your habits define you. Your environment also shapes your behavior. Change your mind and start small. Mental health is not about feeling good. It’s about taking responsibility and not just thinking about it, but doing it. Let’s start with you. An oasis of power lies within your humanity. There are no hacks. The best hack is to realize that there is no hack. Perform, learn, modify, adapt, repeat. We are all in this together.
