Are the Kids Alright?

Are the Kids Alright? by Erin Drinkwater, LCSW

My two Gen Z daughters, born in 2009 and 2010 would have you believe that I’m a “boomer.”  Why do I have such a visceral reaction to this assertion?  Maybe it’s because I’m proud of my Gen X status.  I’m a resourceful product of “free range parenting” popular in the 1980’s and early 1990’s.  Ancient, nonetheless, by Gen Z standards.  I’ve done my best to encourage pragmatism and independence in my Gen Z children.

Regardless of where each of us falls in the generational spectrum, it is undeniable that Gen Z has had it rough.  As digital natives, they don’t remember a world without YouTube, texting, social media and streaming.  This has been both a blessing and a curse.  Cyberbullying, social pressure and information overload have lead to widespread anxiety and depression throughout the generation.  Gen Z has faced a global pandemic, numerous mass shootings and economic uncertainty, despite the fact that many of them are not yet old enough to vote.

To their credit, Gen Z is well aware of the impact that such issues have had on their mental health and they are not being quiet about it.  Gen Z is destigmatizing mental health by pushing complex issues to the forefront of society’s consciousness.  They are openly discussing their challenges with friends and strangers alike via all online platforms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 29% of Gen Z high school students report having poor mental health, 42% report feeling consistent sadness or hopelessness and 22% have considered suicide.  All are at increased risk for substance abuse, violence and unsafe sex resulting in STI contraction or unplanned pregnancy.

As parents, teachers or mentors to Gen Z, there are a number of things that we can do to support them through their generation’s mental health crisis.

• Prioritize communication:  Have the difficult conversations.  Ask challenging questions and actively listen to their responses while validating their experiences and feelings.
• Education:  Equip yourself with knowledge about anxiety, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder—the four most commonly diagnosed conditions within Gen Z according to the CDC.
• Model healthy coping skills:  Many of us have had to learn new and more effective means of coping with stress as we’ve aged.  Whether it’s meditation, prayer, exercise or journaling, handling our own struggles is a great way to teach Gen Z how to handle theirs.
• Seek professional help:  There is no shame in reaching out for support when overwhelmed by mental health symptoms.  A therapist can help you to manage your emotions and set healthy boundaries, which can in turn give you the strength to support others in your life.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, Soundview can help.  Our team of Social Workers can refer you to professional services in your community.  You can also access immediate support by calling the Long Island Crisis Center at 631-679-1111 or the National Suicide Hotline at 988.