Gen Z Struggles Are Quietly Destroying a Generation

Gen Z stressors are rising—learn about their mental health challenges, emotional burnout, and real coping tools from our licensed counselor.

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Gen Z struggles are not just buzzwords. They’re deeply felt, daily realities for millions of young adults facing complex mental health challenges. Constant comparison, digital fatigue, economic uncertainty, emotional burnout—these aren’t rare outliers. They’re quietly becoming the norm among young people. They are navigating a world that feels more unstable than it did for previous generations.

According to a recent survey, two thirds of Gen Z respondents report high levels of anxiety and depression. This positions Gen Z as the most stressed generation.

Robin Shannon isa licensed clinical professional counselor and founder of Chicago Healing Connection. She has seen this pattern within her therapy practice. Within this interview, she sheds light on the emotional load Generation Z is carrying. This includes why it’s unlike anything older generations had to face. Survey data consistently reinforces that Gen Z respondents are experiencing these high levels of stress. Where mental health challenges at rates not seen in previous generations.

More and more Gen Z clients are showing up in therapy, bright, funny, emotionally intelligent people who feel like they’re barely hanging on. And what’s wild is it’s becoming normal.

Robin points out that what once may have been seen as warning signs of emotional distress have now become baseline experiences. Stress, burnout, feeling behind in life, guilt for not being “healed enough”. The internal conflict of knowing mental health language without experiencing real relief. These are the shared narratives showing up with Gen Zs in therapy rooms today. As she explains, “This isn’t rare. It’s not dramatic. It’s everywhere.

1. What Are the Most Psychologically Damaging Stressors They Face Today, and How Do These Differ from Previous Generations?

Robin highlights that young people today, specifically Generation Z, are under stressors vastly different from those experienced by older generations. While parents may recall stress from work, school, or family, Robin explains that Gen Z is constantly juggling intersecting pressures that come at them faster and at a younger age than ever before. In addition to social media and political instability, climate change and eco anxiety are major contributors to Gen Z’s stress, fueling a sense of uncertainty and worry about the future among youth and adolescents. Workforce statistics show that many Gen Zers are affected by these issues, highlighting the scale and impact on the modern workplace.

They’re juggling pressures from every direction, including social media, political instability, climate anxiety, job market chaos, and even just trying to be okay in a world that rarely feels safe.

There’s also a striking loss of emotional privacy. Whereas previous generations, such as baby boomers, often had natural boundaries that allowed space to just be, Gen Z is relentlessly connected to the external world—through their devices, through crises, through global instability. The global pandemic brought widespread school closures and major disruptions to education, which have deeply affected students, high schoolers, adolescents, children, and their families, compounding stress and mental health challenges. “So many of them have really never had a chance to be just kids or teenagers,” Robin shares.

The Challenges

Compared to other generations, Gen Z faces unique gen z challenges and new challenges in recent years, with the lingering effects of the Great Recession and the pandemic shaping the experiences of youth across different ages. These events have created new pressures and uncertainties for children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate high school, higher education, and the transition to adulthood. Generational differences, especially when contrasted with baby boomers who often achieved financial stability and milestones earlier, underscore the distinct landscape Gen Z must navigate.

Moreover, they are carrying what Robin calls “a lot of generational trauma” without adequate tools to process it. They’re expected to be emotionally intelligent, socially conscious, self-aware, and high-achieving, all while still trying to discover who they are. That emotional multitasking becomes a source of profound mental fatigue and leads to many of the mental health challenges seen in therapy today.

2. How Does the Constant Connectivity of Social Media Impact Gen Z’s Ability to Disconnect, Recharge, and Experience Genuine Self-Worth?

Robin paints a vivid picture of the role social media use plays in shaping self-worth among Gen Zers, who are often described as digital natives due to their early and deep exposure to technology. With 24/7 access to others’ lives, comparison becomes both constant and distorted, especially for this tech-savvy generation whose social media use is second nature. “It often becomes a mirror that they hold up for themselves,” she says. The issue is not just seeing others, but absorbing their lives as standards, and Gen Z's expectations for digital engagement are shaped by these constant online experiences.

So many Gen Z clients say that they feel like they’re living their lives with an imaginary audience watching and judging every move.

This imagined surveillance contributes to chronic stress and erodes self-trust. Even rest becomes performative. “Did I do enough self-care? Did I do it right? Should I post about it?” These are the internal dialogues that prevent genuine restoration. The constant digital comparison and stress can also make it difficult for Gen Z to focus on their own goals and well-being, further impacting their ability to recover and function day-to-day. Social media also shapes communication styles, leading to different communication styles that can influence how Gen Z interacts both online and in the workplace.

Robin emphasizes that recovery begins with creating offline, unmeasured moments. She helps clients understand that rest, privacy, and disconnecting are not selfish—they are vital. The work becomes about finding spaces where one is not being seen, judged, or expected to perform.

3. Can You Speak to the Role of Uncertainty—Be It Economic, Environmental, or Social—In Shaping Gen Z’s Mental Health Landscape?

Robin calls uncertainty one of the defining emotional climates for Gen Z. Unlike older generations, young adults today are entering adulthood during a time of extreme unpredictability. “They’re stepping into adulthood with housing instability, rising inflation, college debt, headlines that forecast doom all the time,” she explains. Worries about money and not having enough money are major financial worries for Gen Z, deeply impacting their mental health and career decisions. Concerns about job security and financial security are especially prominent, as many young adults fear instability in employment and income. These persistent worries contribute to sustained financial stress and chronic anxiety, making career growth and incremental growth more challenging to achieve in the current climate.

So the world feels less dependable, less predictable. So it’s no wonder many of them struggle with decision-making or even planning for the future.” Setting realistic expectations is crucial when planning for the future, given the unpredictability of the current environment.

This constant instability creates a feedback loop: the more uncertain the world becomes, the more emotionally taxing it is to hope or plan. Many clients exhibit behaviors that look like under-functioningprocrastination, avoidance—but are really protective mechanisms. Robin affirms, “If I don’t expect too much, I can’t be disappointed.

She supports clients in establishing “small zones of stability”—simple, grounding practices like a morning routine or weekly intention that offer emotional anchors in a world that otherwise feels like shifting sand. Setting clear work hours and boundaries between work and personal life is also important. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work and flexible hours, can help Gen Z manage uncertainty and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

4. Why Does It Seem Like Gen Z's Is Both the Most Emotionally Aware and the Most Mentally Overwhelmed Generation Facing Mental Health Challenges?

Gen Z is the first generation to grow up immersed in mental health language. Robin notes they can “name their anxiety,” “identify attachment wounds,” and “spot red flags with impressive precision.” But she also points out the disconnect: “Naming the problem isn’t the same as knowing how to really hold it or heal it.

What’s missing for many is what I call emotional scaffolding.

Emotional Scaffolding

Robin uses this phrase to describe the lack of support systems that help people process, contain, and make sense of their feelings. For Gen Z employees and Gen Z team members, this means organizations must go beyond surface-level awareness and implement wellness programs, provide access to mental health professionals, and adopt a holistic approach to support. She shares that much of Gen Z’s emotional knowledge is downloaded through short-form content like TikToks and YouTube videos. While validating, these formats lack the depth needed for lasting healing.

Accessible mental health treatment is essential for providing the support Gen Z needs, especially for youth of color and other underserved groups who often face barriers such as cost, stigma, and cultural differences. Efforts to reduce stigma around seeking mental health services are crucial, as they encourage open conversations and help more young people access the care they deserve. Wellness programs and support from mental health professionals can help address these gaps, while a holistic approach ensures emotional, relational, and cultural factors are considered.

As a result, young adults often feel emotionally flooded with nowhere to offload. Robin underscores that therapy, coaching, or even grounded friendships become crucial because they provide a real container for processing—not just intellectualizing—mental health issues. For Gen Z talent, emotional scaffolding should also include personal development, growth opportunities, and clear career paths. Regular feedback, regular check ins, and efforts to create opportunities for engagement are essential strategies for supporting their professional lives. HR leaders and business leaders play a key role in ensuring Gen Z employees have the support they need, ultimately helping organizations build an engaged workforce.

5. What Psychological Patterns or Thought Traps Do You Frequently See in Gen Z's Clients Dealing with Anxiety or Burnout?

Robin identifies all-or-nothing thinking as one of the most common and damaging cognitive distortions she sees in her Gen Z clients. This thought trap frames every setback as a failure, every imperfection as proof of inadequacy. As she explains, “It sounds like: If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all. If I’m not as far along as my peers, I’m failing. I messed up once, so I’m a mess-up.” These internal dialogues can become so loud that they drown out any sense of progress or self-compassion.

For many gen z workers, anxiety is often tied to concerns about climbing the corporate ladder, achieving the right job title, and uncertainty about clear career paths. The unique characteristics and key characteristics of the younger generation—such as their desire for meaningful work and rapid advancement—can intensify these pressures. However, these same traits also mean Gen Z brings fresh perspectives and a different perspective to the workplace, challenging traditional norms and encouraging diverse perspectives among co workers. Fostering mutual respect and open dialogue is essential for building an inclusive culture where all voices are valued.

Recent years have seen a marked rise in anxiety disorders and depression among Gen Z, with these struggles contributing to a higher average stress level compared to older generations. Many Gen Z clients report feeling constantly stressed as they navigate these overlapping challenges. Regular feedback is especially valuable for this younger generation, as it helps clarify expectations and motivates Gen Z to grow. To effectively manage Gen Z, organizations should empower Gen Z with autonomy and support, encourage face to face communication for stronger engagement, and recognize the importance of adapting strategies to meet the needs of both Gen Z and other generation employees.

The Weight of Comparison

Another deeply ingrained stressor is comparison. But unlike earlier generations who may have compared themselves to classmates or co workers, Gen Z is comparing themselves to influencers, content creators, and strangers from around the globe—24/7. This comparison now extends beyond classmates and co workers to global influencers, amplifying the pressure to measure up. Robin highlights, “They’re not just comparing themselves to people in their lives. They’re comparing themselves to influencers and creators, thought leaders, and people from around the world.” The sheer volume and curated perfection of these comparisons distort reality and drive toxic self-judgment.

In this digital environment, the lack of face to face communication can make it harder for Gen Z to build real connections and receive authentic feedback. However, Gen Z also brings a different perspective and values diverse perspectives in the workplace, which can be both a challenge and an asset for organizations seeking to foster innovation and inclusivity.

The Cost for Self-Worth

She also emphasizes the trap of productivity as self-worth. “The idea that your worth is tied to how much you accomplish and achieve.” For Gen Z, there is a shift in how they view the ‘corporate ladder' and ‘job title'—they tend to value influence, collaboration, and meaningful contribution over traditional hierarchies or titles. The importance of career growth is central to their sense of self-worth and motivation, as they seek clear opportunities for advancement and development. In this model, rest feels unproductive and even shameful. Play becomes frivolous, and even self-care morphs into something that must be optimized or shared. Robin notes that burnout has turned into a badge of honor or “this big flex,” highlighting how normalized it has become. The emotional exhaustion that results from these struggles is also linked to a concerning increase in self harm behaviors among young people.

These psychological patterns build on each other, feeding the rising rates of anxiety, mental health challenges, and emotional exhaustion in today’s young adults. Therapy, Robin says, often focuses on helping Gen Z clients “unhook from these thought loops” and learn how to embrace ambiguity, self-kindness, and progress over perfection. This is essential work in a world that teaches them to constantly strive but rarely to rest.

6. What Coping Strategies Tend to Actually Work for Gen Zs—Especially Those Who Are Skeptical of Traditional Therapy or Feel Numb to Self-Care Trends?

Robin observes that many Gen Z clients are skeptical of anything that feels polished, scripted, or commercialized—including mental health services. This skepticism is shaped by Gen Z's attitude toward work and life, which values authenticity, flexibility, and inclusivity.

They want real grounded support. The strategies that work best are the ones that meet them where they are, not where we think they should be.

She emphasizes the importance of micro-practices—short, accessible strategies that can be integrated into everyday life without feeling overwhelming. Accessible health care options are also crucial for Gen Z, as many face barriers to finding mental health support that feels trustworthy and relevant to their needs. Wellness programs that support mental health, work-life balance, and overall well-being are especially valued by Gen Z talent, young workers, and recent college graduates seeking effective coping strategies. These programs, along with opportunities for personal development and growth opportunities, help address Gen Z's sense of purpose and desire for meaningful progress.

These can be as simple as placing a hand on the heart and naming what’s coming up in the body, without judgment. “Things like closing your eyes and placing one hand on your heart and one on your belly and naming what you feel.” This simple presence practice builds emotional awareness while also fostering regulation. Another example is setting short screen breaks or taking 10 minutes to eat without a device—small habits that help reduce social media use and allow nervous systems to recalibrate.

Creative Expression

Robin also encourages her clients to explore creative expression.

Connecting through creative outlets—music, poetry, voice memos, even memes.

She validates that not all emotional processing needs to happen through conversation. For many young people, healing begins through creativity, especially when words fall short.

Community is another essential aspect of effective coping. Robin reframes self-care as community care, emphasizing co-working, shared check-ins, or “accountability buddies” as ways to lessen isolation. Organizations can create opportunities for connection and support by aligning with Gen Z values such as inclusivity and flexibility, and by integrating social responsibility and the company's mission into their culture. This is how organizations attract Gen Z and foster a sense of belonging and engagement. “Most importantly, we remind them: you don’t have to buy your healing,” she says. “You don’t need a candle, a subscription, or a perfect routine to take care of yourself.” This message is a powerful counter to the commodification of wellness and the myth that healing must look a certain way.

You May Also Want To Read: Self Care Night Routine Ideas to Calm Your Mind and Body

7. How Can Gen Z's Create Emotional Boundaries in an Overstimulating World Where Everyone Has Access to Your Attention 24/7?

Robin describes emotional boundaries as one of the most powerful tools that Gen Z can learn to protect their well-being in a world that is always “on.” With endless notifications, constant access, and unfiltered digital content, young adults can feel like their emotional energy is being drained from all sides. Robin says, “Having a personal off switch is essential.

Setting boundaries is key to maintaining work life balance, especially as the lines between work hours and personal life blur in a digital world. This may mean something as simple as letting friends know that you don’t respond to messages after a certain hour, or establishing clear expectations for when work ends and personal time begins.

Setting boundaries might mean letting friends know I don’t usually respond to messages after 9 p.m.

It might also mean disabling push notifications, or choosing not to engage with triggering content online. These are not acts of avoidance but necessary pauses to regain clarity and self-trust. Setting boundaries in interpersonal relationships is especially crucial for Gen Z, as it helps protect their emotional well-being and manage the stress that can arise from workplace social dynamics and personal connections. Supportive work arrangements, such as flexible hours, can further help maintain these boundaries and promote a healthier integration of work and personal life.

Internal Boundaries

Internal boundaries are equally important. Robin notes that many clients struggle with self-regulation, particularly when doom-scrolling or absorbing crisis after crisis through their feeds. “Recognizing when you’re doom-scrolling and gently redirecting yourself” becomes a way to reclaim presence. Practicing emotional boundaries can help workers feel more in control and less overwhelmed by constant demands.

Boundaries, in this framework, are not about shutting people out. They are about creating the emotional space to feel like yourself again. “Practicing emotional boundaries isn’t just about becoming disconnected. It’s about creating space to feel like yourself again.” Robin reframes them as acts of care, not selfishness—a vital message in a culture where overstimulation is normalized.

8. Can You Describe What “Resilience” Looks Like for Gen Z's Today—And How They Can Build It in Small, Consistent Ways?

Robin redefines resilience not as bouncing back or being unaffected, but as choosing presence, connection, and consistency in the face of difficulty. “Resilience doesn’t always look like bouncing back quickly or putting on a brave face.” Instead, it can look like small, quiet decisions to keep going—one moment at a time, focusing on incremental growth, personal development, and seeking out growth opportunities even in challenging moments.

For Gen Z, it often looks like pausing instead of spiraling. Or asking for help instead of isolating.” She illustrates that it might mean drinking water when everything feels heavy or sending a text that says, “I’m not okay” instead of disappearing. These micro-moments of engagement and self-acknowledgment are the real markers of emotional strength. Gen Z's sense of purpose, gen z's attitude toward work-life balance, and core gen z values like inclusivity and authenticity all contribute to their unique approach to resilience.

Robin also speaks about the importance of releasing perfection in the healing journey. “Sometimes it may feel like a step forward, sometimes it may feel like a step back. But being okay with the journey.” Healing is not a linear process, and recognizing this helps young people develop emotional flexibility and patience.

One of her most grounded pieces of advice is to root resilience in personal values. “We talk a lot about building resilience by returning to your values consistently.” Whether it’s creativity, kindness, justice, or rest, these values can serve as anchors during emotional turbulence. Like strength training, emotional resilience is built through repetition—small actions, everyday grace. Organizations attract Gen Z by aligning with these values, clearly communicating the company's mission, and demonstrating social responsibility, all of which support resilience and a sense of belonging.

9. In a World That Promotes Hyper-Independence and Individualism, How Can Gen Z's Cultivate Genuine Community and Emotional Safety?

Robin reflects on how Gen Z has been taught that independence means isolation and that asking for help is weakness.

Gen Z has been raised in a culture that prizes grinding and going it alone, but also one where loneliness is at an all-time high.

These conflicting messages leave young people craving connection but unsure how to pursue it authentically.

She encourages them to unlearn the belief that needing others is a flaw.

You don’t have to be everything to everyone, but you do need people who can hold space for the real you.

Emotional safety, she says, comes from consistency, compassion, and mutual boundaries—not performative closeness or digital validation. Building community starts with small, intentional steps and is essential for an engaged workforce. Regular check ins and face to face communication help Gen Z employees feel supported and connected.

Gen Z can start by reaching out to one person with intention instead of trying to manage 10 surface-level connections.

Robin also advocates for emotional consent—asking a friend, “Do you have the capacity for something heavy right now?

This allows conversations to feel safer and more reciprocal. Cultivating healthy relationship dynamics is key to fostering emotional safety for Gen Z. Strong relationships with co workers and mutual respect provide support and a sense of belonging.

Organizations can create opportunities for connection among Gen Z team members by encouraging collaboration, open dialogue, and meaningful in-person interactions.

Community, she reminds us, is about breath, grounding, and being seen. “Who helps you breathe easier? Who helps you stay grounded in who you are?” That’s where belonging lives.

10. What Advice Do You Have for a Gen Z's Who Feels Like They’re “Behind in Life”—Whether It's in Career, Relationships, or Self-Development?

Robin closes the conversation with a powerful reframe for young adults, including college graduates and the younger generation, who are feeling behind in life.

Your timeline is yours. It’s sacred. And your process is not late.

This is now the world with social media milestones and toxic productivity. Gen Z, as well as many recent college graduates, often feels like they’re racing a clock they never set.

She points out that societal timelines—graduate by 22, marry by 30, own a home by 35—were never built for the world Gen Z inherited. Most especially as workforce statistics show shifting career and life patterns for the younger generation.

Those timelines weren’t built for everyone, especially not in the economy and social climate that Gen Z has inherited.

The challenges Gen Z faces today are very different from those of the past. This is due to expectations and mental health pressures shifting significantly over time. Many struggle with unclear career paths. Wherein, it is important to set realistic expectations and focus on incremental growth rather than immediate success.

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Instead of asking “Am I behind?”, Robin invites her clients to ask:

Am I becoming more aligned with who I want to be and who I’m meant to be?”.  That shift from comparison to authenticity reclaims agency and softens self-judgment.

You’re allowed to take detours. You are allowed to make mistakes and pivot. You’re allowed to rest and grow slowly.

These affirmations challenge hustle culture and open the door to deeper self-trust.

She ends with a message that resonates far beyond therapy: “If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re walking away not just with more understanding, but more compassion for yourself or someone you love.

Healing Isn’t a Race—It’s a Return to Self

Robin’s message is both timely and timeless. You are not broken for struggling in a world that often asks too much and offers too little. Young adults today navigate mental health challenges, financial stress, and a digital landscape that never turns off. However, her reminder is simple yet profound. Healing does not have to be perfect, loud, or even linear. It only needs to be real.

Your exhaustion isn’t weakness. Your uncertainty doesn’t mean you’re lost. And your slower pace doesn’t make you less worthy. As Robin so powerfully puts it, “You don’t have to carry everything alone.

The stressors Gen Z faces are real, but so is their resilience. In the quiet moments of honesty, creativity, and connection, healing becomes not a destination—but a daily practice. A way home to yourself.

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