Lonely Gen Z in America

A survey by healthcare service RedBox Rx in the US shows that the rate of Gen Z facing loneliness is increasing.

41% of Gen Z say they are experiencing mental health issues, higher than the 36% of Millennials and 21% of Gen X.

"Mental health remains a challenge for many Americans," said Daniel Fick, chief medical officer of RedBox Rx. "Young people need more support resources."

Of those surveyed, 53% of Gen Z said they felt lonely and 52% felt like failures in life.

Analysts say Gen Z and millennials have experienced many common upheavals during their youth, including the 9/11 attacks and the economic crisis.

"The shock causes them to find different ways to cope, some people isolate themselves," says psychologist Alexandra Cromer at the counseling service Thriveworks.

The study also showed that only 37% of people with mental health problems seek solutions.

Lana Lipe, a social counselor and support worker, says that social media and screen time are also contributing factors to increased loneliness.

Gen Z is the most digitally connected generation. They grew up with social media and may find it difficult to disconnect through screens.

"Using the internet is a way to interact with people, but it also creates isolation," Cromer said. "You can easily see friends attending parties you weren't invited to."

At the same time, Gen Z's anxieties about the future are also mentioned as a reason. Home ownership is becoming unaffordable due to rising house prices and mortgage interest rates. They are facing economic instability, with nationwide student debt reaching $1.77 trillion.

Another reason is that Gen Z is starting their careers in the age of remote work, rejecting colleagues and social relationships that could help them build their careers. Dating is largely happening online.

All of these changes have led to a deficiency in social skills compared to other generations.

Lonely Gen Z also faces difficulties in finding healthcare services that are affordable and covered by their insurance.

The average cost of treatment ranges from $100 to $200, according to a 2019 report by the mental health company SimplePractice. Psychologists have long waiting lists, requiring patients to overcome their loneliness before they can receive therapy.

Ngoc Ngan (According to Newsweek )

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