Over 60 percent of Gen Z have an anxiety disorder

Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech
·2 min read
17

Story at a glance

  • Data management firm Harmony Healthcare IT recently released a report on the state of Gen Zers mental health.

  • As part of the report, the firm conducted a survey on Gen Zers level of anxiety and how they cope.

  • The survey shows that most Gen Zers experience anxiety and over half have a medically diagnosed anxiety condition.

A new report from data management firm Harmony Healthcare IT shows that 61 percent of Gen Z have a medically diagnosed anxiety condition.

The report includes a survey of about 1,000 Gen Zers, or adults 18 to 26, who struggle with anxiety about their anxious thoughts.

And while experiencing anxiety is nothing new for Gen Z, more than half of survey respondents — 54 percent — said their anxiety has been worse this year.

And out of those with anxiety, 43 percent said they experience a panic attack at least once a month if not more frequently.

The most common cause of their anxiety — the future.

Almost have of those surveyed said the future was their biggest worry while 45 percent said it was finances.

Almost 1 in 3 Gen Zers surveyed with anxiety said they used medication to help them manage the symptoms

On average, Gen Zers who take medication for anxiety started taking medicaton at 19, according to the survey.

Of those Gen Zers who take medication, 83 percent said they take it daily.

But many Gen Zers use other forms of coping mechanisms for their anxiety besides medication.

Almost half, 48 percent, of Gen Zers surveyed, said they go on walks or hikes to manage their anxiety while others paint, write or play an instrument.

The survey also showed that 2 out of 5 go to therapy and 53 percent have gotten professional help for mental health at some point.

Unfortunately, many Gen Zers are also coping with their anxiety in less healthy ways.

Over 40 percent of young people with anxiety said they indulged in eating unhealthy food to manage their stress and 30 percent reported binge eating, according to the survey.

Meanwhile, 34 percent said they consume cannabis to cope with their anxiety while 32 percent said they drink alcohol to manage.

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