Young people worldwide are feeling the impacts of poor mental health more than any other categories, according to health insurance giant Cigna Global’s 2022 wellbeing survey Exhausted by Work – The Employer Opportunity.
“Employee stress levels, which dropped slightly in 2021, are now on the increase, and it’s the younger generation who are feeling the greatest impact”, the author explained. “84 percent of all employees said they were stressed, but this rises to 91 percent for Gen Z, aged 18 to 24, and 87 percent for 25-34-year-old Millennials.”
So, what’s causing the younger generations to feel over-burdened or overwhelmed, disconnect from life, take solace in alcohol, drug or sexual addictions, or experience suicidal thoughts?
Why are the Young So Mentally Unwell?
With Generation Z in particular, there’s a large swathe of young people who experienced unprecedented disruption to their university education and / or early years at work.
It was well documented that adolescents and young adults were amongst the groups whose mental health was worst affected by pandemic-enforced social isolation. But against this backdrop of feeling isolated in multiple elements of their lives, they’re also bearing the brunt of many and varied other stressors, including but not limited to:
- Lack of job security due to ongoing uncertain times
- Financial hardship and debt, juggling low pay with the soaring cost of living
- Climate change and a sense of hopelessness
- Modern technology, social media and the pressure to be ‘on’ 24/7
So, what can employers do to help?
Can Mental Health First Aid Put a Plaster on it?
Mental health awareness training and the appointment of mental health first aiders are compelling ways to prevent poor mental health amongst young people, and also help them manage their mental wellbeing.
The very fact that an employer invests in mental health awareness offers reassurance that ‘it’s ok not to be ok’, proactive support and signposting if the going gets a bit too tough.
At Stress Matters, we’re accredited by MHFA England to deliver market leading mental health awareness and mental health first training. Want to help to maintain good mental health amongst your younger team members – and all team members? Get in touch for inspiration.
