cerns all stressed out more Gen Z adults than adults
overall, the report says. Money was the most com-
mon source of stress, affecting 81% of Gen Z adults
and 64% of adults overall.
Just as concerning as the prevalence of stress
was the struggle to manage it. Though 37% of Gen Z
individuals—more than any other generation—
reported receiving help from a mental-health pro-
fessional, only half said they felt they did enough to
manage their stress. Nearly three quarters also said
they could have used more emotional support over
the past year.
Other recent surveys have shown that levels of
loneliness are high among young people, which
may contribute to the stress epidemic. Research
has shown that a strong social network can help
mitigate the effects of stress and improve men-
tal health overall. Social media doesn’t seem to be
helping either: while about half said it was a source
of support, 45% said social media made them feel
judged, and 38% said it made them feel bad about
themselves.
Having difficulty coping with stress wasn’t just
a Gen Z trait. About 20% of all respondents to the
“Stress in America” survey said they didn’t do
enough to manage their stress.
Amid the high levels of stress and frustration
with the national and political climate, voting
among younger generations was particularly high
in the 2018 midterm elections (including 4.5 mil-
lion Generation Z voters, according to the Pew
Research Center). Especially encouraging: 75% of
all survey respondents said they feel hopeful about
their future. •High school students
protested against gun
violence—a major Gen Z
concern—at the U.S.
Capitol in March 2019.