Three Professionals Discuss the Struggles of Gen Z in Achieving Contentment
Mmm, let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we? I bet many of you out there wish you could rewind time and relive your twenties. Heck, I'd give anything for that! For most of us, our twenties were some of the finest years of our lives, packed with learning, excitement, and unforgettable adventures.
But, being young ain't for the faint-hearted, right? Messy, unpredictable, and filled with unexpected twists and turns – that's the life of a late bloomer! But, for a large portion of Gen Z, it feels like they're stuck in one long, dull valley. For them, contentment, even the elusive hope itself, seems nothing more than a distant dream. After all, if the recent Global Flourishing Study conducted by Harvard University with Baylor University is anything to go by, it's clear that this generation is in a happiness crisis, with happiness supposedly flatlining for them.
You might be wondering if Gen Z are the only ones feeling the pinch. Well, they ain't alone – other generations certainly aren't immune. However, it's this generation that's hit the hardest, as statistics reveal that over 90% of Gen Zers have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress. Yet, despite being the most stressed out lot, they're the least likely to discuss their problems with others because they don't want to burden others.
So, how did we end up here? Did we miss some obvious signs on the way? To get some answers, I reached out to three mental health professionals and asked for their thoughts on the matter. Here's what they had to say:
They Feel Like They Have to be 100% All the Time
Kelsey M. Latimer, Ph.D., psychologist, CEO of KML Psychological Services, pointed out that some Gen Zers are under incredible pressure to excel in every aspect of their lives, from acing their college applications to preparing for their future careers. This constant pressure to be flawless can be crippling, with nearly one in three Gen Zers feeling the need to be perfect.
Gen Z Feels Like They Always Need to Evolve
Lynn Zakeri, owner of Lynn Zakeri LCSW Clinical Services, emphasized that Gen Z is being bombarded with societal pressures to be emotionally open, socially conscious, perpetually online, and to never stop evolving. Is innovation the new focus of our society, leaving introspection and inner calm by the wayside? Perhaps Lynn has a point. Perhaps there's a way we can create a work environment that nurtures both productivity and personal well-being.
Social Media and Instant Validation are Addictive
Finally, Daren Banarse, MA BACP, a senior psychotherapist with a private practice in Central London, shared his observation that young adults are constantly seeking validation from social media, experiencing panic when their phones run out of battery or when Instagram goes down. As it turns out, many professionals are now recognizing a strong connection between social media and its impact on young people's self-perception and self-worth.
All in all, Gen Z's struggle to find happiness is a multifaceted issue, encompassing mental health concerns, existential questions, financial difficulties, and social media's gripping influence. As business leaders, we have the power to create workplaces that help our Gen Z employees find comfort and, dare I say, joy. By providing a safe, accepting space where they can bring their whole selves, we can help foster a sense of community, hope, and happiness.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, the focus is on mental health, especially among Generation Z, commonly referred to as 'Gen Zers'. This generation, often the 'zers', is experiencing a happiness crisis, as suggested by the Global Flourishing Study conducted by Harvard University and Baylor University.
Interestingly, statistics reveal that over 90% of Gen Zers have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress. Yet, they are the least likely to discuss their problems with others.
Science has begun to uncover potential reasons for this trend. Kelsey M. Latimer, a psychologist, suggests that Gen Zers are under immense pressure to excel in every aspect of their lives, from academics to their future careers, leading to constant feelings of the need to be perfect.
On the other hand, Lynn Zakeri, a mental health professional, points out that Gen Z is being bombarded with societal pressures to be emotionally open, socially conscious, perpetually online, and to never stop evolving. This relentless pursuit of evolution might be leaving introspection and inner calm by the wayside.
Lastly, Daren Banarse, a senior psychotherapist, highlights the addictive nature of social media and instant validation, which can greatly impact young people's self-perception and self-worth.
These insights suggest that to help Gen Z find happiness, we need to create workplaces that promote workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, providing a safe, accepting space where they can bring their whole selves and foster a sense of community, hope, and joy. Entertainment and social media, while part of Gen Z's daily lives, also need careful scrutiny to ensure they don't contribute to additional stress or unhappiness.
