May 27, 2025

Gen Z Mental Health and Addiction: Unpacking a Growing Crisis

Gen Z mental health is facing unprecedented challenges, from anxiety and depression to addiction. Discover the causes, impact, and how to support this generation.

Frame 1077241738Clinically Reviewed by Nate Bush,LCSW

gen z mental health crisis

Table of Contents

Gen Z mental health is facing a growing crisis, with nearly half of young people diagnosed with conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Over 90% report feeling overwhelmed or stressed on a regular basis.1

In a world that feels constantly demanding, many are turning to substances like marijuana or prescription drugs just to cope.

These struggles are real, and they reflect a generation quietly asking for understanding, support, and meaningful change.

Why Is Gen Z Struggling with Mental Health?

For many in Gen Z, mental health challenges aren’t just a phase—they’re a daily part of life.

This generation is growing up in a world that feels uncertain, constantly connected, and emotionally exhausting.

While it’s encouraging that more young people are speaking up and seeking help, the weight they’re carrying is real—and it’s heavy.

Here are some of the key reasons why so many Gen Zers are struggling:

  • Social media and digital culture – Scrolling through perfect lives and filtered bodies can leave young people feeling like they’re never enough.
  • Economic and societal stressors – From student debt to climate anxiety and global instability, there’s a constant sense of pressure about the future.
  • Pandemic-related impact – COVID-19 disrupted school, friendships, and major life milestones, leaving emotional scars that haven’t fully healed.
  • Increased awareness and reduced stigma – More people are talking about mental health, which is a good thing—but it also means more are recognizing just how much they’re struggling.
  • Academic and career pressure – The push to succeed starts young, and the fear of falling behind is exhausting.
  • Lack of genuine connection – Even with hundreds of online “friends,” many Gen Zers feel lonely and disconnected.

 

This generation isn’t broken—they’re overwhelmed.

And they deserve support that sees the full picture of what they’re going through.

A new study shows that approximately

0 %

of Gen Z have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, most commonly anxiety, depression, ADHD, or PTSD.

Gen Z Mental Health Statistics – What the Numbers Show

Behind every statistic is a story—a young person struggling silently, a family trying to understand, a friend who’s not sure how to help.

For Gen Z, mental health isn’t just a buzzword; it’s something many of them are living through every single day.

The numbers tell a powerful story.

Around 42% of Gen Z have been diagnosed with a mental health condition.2

For many, that means living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or PTSD—often more than one at a time.

According to the American Psychological Association, over 90% of Gen Z report emotional or physical symptoms of stress, like feeling constantly overwhelmed, hopeless, or exhausted.1

These mental health struggles are showing up in heartbreaking ways.

The CDC found a 57% increase in suicide rates among young people between 2007 and 2018.3

And during the pandemic, ER visits for suspected suicide attempts among teen girls rose over 50%, according to JAMA Network Open.4

These aren’t just statistics—they’re signals that something is deeply wrong, and that Gen Z needs our attention and support.

Substance use is another growing concern.

While Gen Z may be drinking less than previous generations, they’re turning more frequently to marijuana, vaping, and prescription drugs—often in an effort to cope.

The Link Between Gen Z Mental Health and Addiction

For many in Gen Z, mental health struggles and substance use go hand in hand.

When anxiety, depression, or trauma feel unbearable—and access to support is limited—some turn to substances as a way to cope.

It’s not about partying or rebellion; it’s often about survival.

Many young people use alcohol, marijuana, or vaping to self-soothe intense emotional pain or numb feelings they don’t know how to manage.

Prescription drugs like Xanax or Adderall are also misused to escape or keep up with overwhelming demands.

What starts as occasional use can quickly spiral into dependence, especially when the root cause—like unresolved mental health issues—isn’t being addressed.

This is where co-occurring disorders come into play.

When someone is dealing with both a mental health condition and a substance use disorder, it’s important to treat both at the same time.

Ignoring one often leads to relapse in the other.

That’s why dual diagnosis treatment is so important—it meets Gen Z where they are, with care that understands the full picture.

Quick Tip: Breaking the Stigma Around Gen Z Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. Choosing therapy or asking for help doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re brave enough to face what’s hard. Support can lead to healing, balance, and a future you feel good about.

Social Media’s Influence on Gen Z Mental Health

Social media is deeply woven into Gen Z’s daily life—but it’s not without consequences.

While it offers connection and self-expression, it also creates a constant stream of comparison, unrealistic standards, and digital pressure that can quietly erode mental well-being.

Many young people find themselves measuring their worth by likes, follows, and comments, often comparing their real lives to everyone else’s highlight reels.

This comparison culture can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Cyberbullying, even in subtle forms like exclusion or negative comments, adds another layer of emotional distress, especially when it’s happening 24/7.

Social media platforms are also built to be addictive.

The dopamine hits from notifications and validation create a feedback loop that keeps users scrolling, even when it’s hurting their mood, sleep, or focus.

Over time, this can contribute to depression, anxiety, and isolation, even though the intention was to feel connected.

 

Key Ways Social Media Impacts Gen Z Mental Health:

  • Comparison culture fuels low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy
  • Cyberbullying increases anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal
  • Dopamine-driven design leads to compulsive use and addictive behaviors
  • Validation through likes/follows can replace genuine self-worth
  • Screen time overload interferes with sleep, focus, and real-world relationships

 

For Gen Z, learning to set boundaries and redefine their relationship with social media can be an important step toward emotional wellness.

How to Support Gen Z’s Mental Health and Well-Being

Supporting Gen Z mental health isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, listening without judgment, and reminding them they’re not alone.

Whether you’re a parent, a friend, or part of Gen Z yourself, the little things matter: honest conversations, quiet support, and creating space where it’s safe to just be.

Here are some ways to help:

  • Start the conversation – Let them know it’s okay to talk about how they’re feeling. You don’t have to fix it—just be there to listen.
  • Create healthy screen habits – Encourage breaks from constant scrolling. Try setting aside time for phone-free meals or a walk without notifications.
  • Make therapy feel normal – Talk about mental health the same way you would physical health. Therapy isn’t weakness—it’s self-respect.
  • Practice simple self-care – Help them find what calms their mind—maybe it’s music, journaling, a long shower, or a few deep breaths.
  • Foster connection – Whether it’s a group chat that feels safe or a weekly meet-up, connection can be a lifeline.
  • Keep learning together – Understand what anxiety, depression, or burnout really look like. The more we know, the better we can support.

 

Most of all, let them know they don’t have to go through it alone.

A little love and understanding go a long way—and sometimes, that’s exactly what makes the difference.

Treatment Options for Gen Z Mental Health and Addiction

When it comes to treating Gen Z mental health and addiction, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.

What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay.

The key is offering flexible, compassionate care that honors each individual’s needs, values, and goals.

Therapy and Counseling

Therapy is often the foundation of recovery for Gen Z. Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help young people identify and reframe negative thought patterns, while Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on emotional regulation and building coping skills. Group therapy also provides peer support and a safe space to realize they’re not alone in their struggles.

Virtual IOP and Online Therapy

Many Gen Z clients find healing more accessible through virtual IOP, or intensive outpatient programs offered virtually. These options allow them to receive structured therapy while maintaining school, work, or family responsibilities. It’s also more comfortable for those who feel overwhelmed by in-person care.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) When Appropriate

While Cornerstone emphasizes a holistic approach, we understand that medication can be a valuable tool in some cases—especially for severe anxiety, depression, or substance withdrawal. When used responsibly and under medical supervision, medications can support recovery. However, we believe healing is most effective when paired with therapy, community support, and lifestyle changes.

Support Groups and Peer-Led Recovery

Peer support groups—whether in person or virtual—play a powerful role in Gen Z’s recovery journey. Sharing experiences with others who “get it” helps reduce isolation and build accountability. Programs led by peers can feel more relatable and empowering, especially for younger people who value authenticity and shared understanding.

At Cornerstone, our goal is to create a treatment plan that meets each client where they are—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—while offering tools that truly support long-term healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Gen Z experiencing more mental health struggles?

Gen Z is facing unprecedented stressors—from constant digital connection and comparison on social media to financial instability, academic pressure, and climate anxiety. Many also experienced isolation and disrupted development during the pandemic. These overlapping factors have created a perfect storm for rising mental health challenges in this generation.

The most common mental health conditions affecting Gen Z include anxiety, depression, ADHD, and PTSD. Many also struggle with chronic stress, burnout, and low self-esteem. These challenges often begin in adolescence and can worsen without early support, especially when combined with trauma, social isolation, or substance use.

Social media can worsen Gen Z’s mental health by fueling comparison, cyberbullying, and a constant need for validation. Dopamine-driven platforms are designed to keep users scrolling, which often leads to poor sleep, increased anxiety, and decreased self-worth. Even positive content can overwhelm when there’s no break from the feed.

The best treatment options for Gen Z include therapy (CBT, DBT, and group counseling), holistic wellness practices, and accessible care like virtual IOPs. Programs that combine emotional support, skill-building, and peer connection—like Cornerstone’s young adult and co-occurring treatment programs—are especially effective for lasting recovery.

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Key Takeaways

Get the Right Support for Gen Z Mental Health & Addiction at Cornerstone

Addressing mental health and addiction struggles early can change the course of a young person’s life.

The sooner we intervene with compassionate, evidence-based support, the better the chance for lasting healing.

At Cornerstone Healing Center, we offer youth-centered care tailored to Gen Z’s unique needs—whether that means in-person residential treatment, support for co-occurring disorders, or flexible, accessible options like our Virtual IOP program.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you don’t have to do it alone.

The right support can change everything—and we’re ready when you are!

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Author & Reviewers

lionel estrada lisac clinical director
CLINICAL DIRECTOR & REVIEWER

Lionel is the Clinical Director of Cornerstone’s Scottsdale treatment facilities. He has had over 4 years at Cornerstone. He is personally in recovery and passionate about helping others overcome substance abuse and mental health challenges; he is trained as an EMDR, adopting a trauma-informed approach to treat the underlying issues.

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