What Gen Z’s have gotten right about mental health

Mental Health Musings
Written By Sofiah Kamila

Gen Z is arguably the generation that values mental health the most, with Gen Zs being the most vocal about prioritising work-life balance and also more likely to admit they have a mental health condition. For instance, it was found that Gen Z in Asia-Pacific (APAC) are 48% more likely to talk about their mental health condition in comparison to the regional average. (Robson, 2024). As the first generation to grow up with access to technology, social media and information right at their fingertips, and in an age where mental health content has become more prevalent, they have been exposed to all kinds of information regarding mental health. This has changed the way Gen Z views mental health in comparison to the previous generations. The question here is, what have Gen Z’s gotten right about mental health? 

1. Openness and awareness towards mental health

Being exposed to social media at a developing age, Gen Z is connected to many mental health stories by different types of people such as celebrities, strangers or even peers who share the same struggles as they do. With exposure to stories like this online, some find themselves comfortable to open up about this topic. Recently, some movements and mental health campaigns such as the #MeToo movement saw many share their abusive experiences which became a chain effect. These movements have resulted in millions sharing their mental health stories and has made Gen Z open and aware of these issues. 

2. Normalising seeking treatment for mental health 

The generations before Gen Z were more sceptical of mental health and they often believed those with mental health issues just needed to “toughen it out”. Yet, Gen Z has taken a different approach to mental health by recognising it as a real problem or health issue. Currently, there is an increase in the use of mental health services with the highest number of receivers being Gen Z with 37%. (VeryWell, 2023) The reason for this trend is due to increased stress, awareness of mental health and decreased stigma amongst Gen Z that makes them comfortable to seek treatment. 

3. Demand for work-life balance

Another prevalent notion widely adapted by Gen Z is their demand for work-life balance. Almost 9 out of 10 of recent undergrads regard work-life balance, mental health and overall wellbeing as very important to them at work and place it higher than collaboration opportunities and even recognition and advancement. (Handshake, 2024) However, this does not mean productivity and success are not important to them, but rather they believe that a balanced and healthy workplace is the critical basis for a great performance for all their professional opportunities.

4. Language and callout culture

Gen Z grew up in a world where it is normal for stigma to be called out as inappropriate or unacceptable. This is especially obvious in how language has changed. For example, certain terms like “retarded” or “psycho” that were once socially acceptable to use are now rarely ever mentioned. This is because people highlighted the offence of using these terms when there are people suffering from it. At the same time, many Gen Zs are also normalising other mental health terms such as “menty b” which means mental breakdown. While this may seem like a form of destigmatisation, some argue that these could lead to normalisation of serious mental health issues. (FastCompany, 2023) 

5. Acceptance of media that centres around mental health

From podcasts to short films to music, many current media and entertainment feature mental health as a significant plot. For instance, there are hundreds of popular podcasts that are centred around mental health such as “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” which features celebrities being candid about their mental health. These media are mostly listened to and watched by Gen Z alongside Millennials (Gen Z’s older cousin). This shows the newer generations’ prioritisation and acceptance towards mental health and their desire to understand it too. 

All in all, these are some main things Gen Z have gotten right about mental health. While there may be some aspects of mental health they have not grasped properly, their efforts in understanding and curbing the stigma is progress for our future generations to come. 

Sofiah Kamila
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