Gen Z reporting higher levels of behavioral health challenges

A new report from consulting firm McKinsey finds “unprecedented” behavioral health challenges among Gen Z Americans. The age group, which ranges from middle-school students to younger members of the workforce, has significantly more issues with behavioral health than other age groups, the study found. Their conclusions are not unique: the U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a public advisory describing a “youth mental health crisis,” which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report pointed to consumer surveys that found Gen Z members more likely to report behavioral health issues, more likely to be diagnosed with mental health conditions, and more likely to contemplate suicide than other generations.

“One in four Gen Z respondents reported feeling more emotionally distressed (25 percent), almost double the levels reported by millennial and Gen X respondents (13 percent each), and more than triple the levels reported by baby boomer respondents (8 percent),” the report said. “While consumer surveys are, of course, subjective and Gen Z is not the only generation to experience distress, employers, educators, and public health leaders may want to consider the sentiment of this emerging generation as they plan for the future.”

Less likely to seek help

The research found that Gen Z is more likely to have a behavioral health diagnosis but less likely to seek treatment. The report cites a survey that found Gen Z is 1.6 to 1.8 times more likely to report not seeking treatment for a behavioral health condition than millennials. This follows other health care surveys that have found younger consumers in the Gen Z group are less likely to be engaged with the health care system in general.

Instead, these younger Americans turn to emergency room care, social media, and other digital tools. “Gen Z’ers rely on acute sites of care more often than older generations, with Gen Z respondents one to four times more likely to report using the ER, and two to three times more likely to report using crisis services or behavioral health urgent care in the past 12 months,” the report said. “Many Gen Z’ers also indicated their first step in managing behavioral-health challenges was going to TikTok or Reddit for advice from other young people, following therapists on Instagram, or downloading relevant apps. This reliance on social media may be due, in part, to the provider shortages in many parts of the country: 64 percent of counties in the United States have a shortage of mental health providers.”

More barriers to health care

The issue of access is a big part of the story; the McKinsey research suggests. Younger Americans have built up less wealth and have less experience with navigating the health care system, which can create barriers to getting needed care.

The study relates several quotes from younger Americans who have had access issues when dealing with behavioral health issues. These statements paint a consistent picture of affordability and access concerns:

• “I found the perfect therapist for me, but I couldn’t afford her, even with insurance.”
• “The absolute biggest barrier to gaining mental-health treatment has been financial.”
• “Seems [like the] only option is an emergency room visit, otherwise I have to wait weeks to see a psychiatrist.”

The report concludes with a call for action; noting that health care leaders, educators, and employers all have a role to play in addressing the behavioral health challenges for Gen Z. The McKinsey report refers to other research done by the firm, and suggests a range of steps:

“Promising areas to explore could include the emerging role of digital and telehealth; the need for stronger community-based response to behavioral health crises; better meeting the needs of Gen Z where they live, work, and go to school; promoting mental health literacy; investing in behavioral health at parity with physical health; and supporting a holistic approach that embraces behavioral, physical, and social aspects of health,” the report said.