KUWAIT: Often known as the “digital natives,” and sometimes dismissed as the “lazy” or “spoiled” generation, they are also, though less commonly, referred to as “the most depressed generation.” According to the American Psychological Association (APA), Gen Z individuals are more prone than previous generations to report mental health issues (such as anxiety and sadness), as more than nine in 10 Gen Z adults said they have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom because of stress.

“This generation is quite different from older ones, and the challenges they’ve grown up with might be hard to grasp,” said psychiatrist Aseel Al-Ibrahim. “I find them, in fact, more depressed, as they struggle with feelings of loss and search for their own identity, all while trying to prove their potential to millennials and older generations.” In addition to the high expectations set by older generations, social media exacerbates the challenge. As Ibrahim pointed out, the constant sharing of only positive moments online creates a misleading impression that “no one struggles in their day-to-day activities.”

While Applied Psychologist Hadeel Al-Ansari acknowledges the multiple benefits of the iInternet in making life easier, she agrees that it also elevates feelings of stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Particularly referring to the highly competitive environment that social media is reflecting today, she said, “many young people are under pressure to excel academically, socially, and professionally, which can result in fast burnout and feelings of inadequacy.” Citing a study made by Harvard University in 2022, Ansari highlighted that nearly half of Gen Z young adults reported experiencing a “lack of meaning or purpose” in their lives.

Hadeel Alansari

“A big part of social media only shows the bright side of life,” said Nari, a 16-year-old resident in Kuwait. “When people around my age see this, they end up comparing themselves to these idealized images, which can make them feel less accomplished.” Eissa, a 21-year-old college student, shares that constant exposure to others’ social media posts and stories showcasing only their achievements pushes him into a state “filled with jealousy and frustration.”

Another negative impact of this online world, as Zainah, a 16-year-old student said, is that “it has been like an open space for bullying,” where people seize every opportunity to criticize whatever you post. “That’s why our generation mostly feels insecure and worried about how they’re perceived by others,” Zainah added.

However, psychiatrist Ibrahim argued that social media is not the only channel to blame.TV shows, movies, and adverts also contribute to mental health issues by “glorifying mental illness and suicide” through the ideas and stories that they sell to the audience. Sara, also 16 years old, agreed that some people from her generation could claim feeling depressed just to look cool or trendy. “Since our thoughts eventually shape who we are, it’s no wonder that some might eventually end up feeling actually depressed,” said Sara.

On a positive note, psychiatrist Ibrahim has confidence in Generation Z’s intelligence and self-awareness. She said, “I believe in their resilience and their potential for positive change more than any previous generation.” She attributes this to their access to an abundance of self-help resources available on the Internet. To relieve stress, psychologist Ansari and psychiatrist Ibrahim advocated for adopting self-care strategies such as casual walking, reading, or journaling to practice mindfulness away from social media exposure. Most importantly, they highlighted the importance of not letting others’ opinions or pressures influence one’s decisions.

“Be confident in your choices as long as they are culturally accepted and can contribute to a better future,” Ibrahim advises. Ansari concurs, adding, “set realistic expectations and boundaries in both your work and personal life.” Both experts also highlighted the benefits of utilizing online therapy sessions with therapists and psychiatrists as a convenient and accessible option for support.