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Understanding Anxiety and Its Impact on Adolescents and Young Adults

December 9, 2024

The Mental Health Struggles of Gen Z

Having the pleasure of working with adolescents here at Capstone Counseling and Coaching, we see firsthand the profound impact that mental health challenges, particularly anxiety, have on Generation Z. Now, the question for parents is: How can you guide your kids through this whirlwind of emotions when your own memories of childhood involve dialing up to the internet on a 56k modem and praying no one picked up the phone? Ah, simpler times. But in all seriousness, parenting in today’s world — where your child’s worries are being shaped by Instagram posts, global crises, and the ever-present glow of a screen — is no easy feat. It’s a challenge that every generation faces, but this one feels like it’s on fast forward.


When we think back to our own adolescence, we all remember those awkward years — self-conscious moments, uncertain social identities, and the lingering certainty that we knew more than our parents (don’t we always?). But in reality, as our kids explore their independence, they may need our guidance more than ever. The difference is that now, the support they need has to be both relevant and relatable. In a world where they communicate in memes and TikTok dances, our responses must not only be wise but also on-point. And while we may not have all the answers (after all, we never got a manual for raising these screen-savvy, emoji-loving teens), staying connected and present can make all the difference.


At Capstone, we’ve noticed five critical areas where mental health struggles often intersect with the lives of today’s teens and young adults. In addition to the universal challenges of self-discovery, social identity, and navigating relationships, these areas — screen time, social media, academic pressure, global crises, and the erosion of real-world social skills — are contributing to a storm of anxiety. The good news is that understanding these issues can equip parents to support their children and guide them through the mental health maze.



Five Trends of Mental Health Struggles for Teens and Young Adults


1. Screen Time and Digital Dependency: Anxiety in the Age of Screens

One of the biggest culprits of anxiety in Gen Z is digital dependency. Teenagers today spend more time glued to screens than ever before. Studies show they average 7-9 hours of screen time a day, not counting school-related activities. And, let’s be honest, we’re not talking about just watching Netflix — these kids are deep into social media, gaming, texting, and probably even googling how to juggle all this at once.


The problem? While the internet offers endless entertainment and connection, it’s also a digital treadmill that just keeps going. Constant notifications, messages, and the perpetual need to stay updated create a heightened state of alertness and stress — also known as digital anxiety. Many teens struggle to manage their screen time, and it’s easy to see why. Dopamine hits from social media and gaming can become addictive, leading to a cycle of “one more scroll” or “just one more level.” The result? Overstimulation, burnout, and more anxiety than a caffeine-fueled all-nighter.

2. Social Media and Peer Pressure: The Double-Edged Sword of Connection and Comparison

Social media is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it’s a lifeline to connection, but on the other, it’s a breeding ground for comparison and peer pressure. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat — these platforms are where teens go to “be seen” and “be liked.” Unfortunately, they’re also where teens come face-to-face with unrealistic standards of beauty, success, and happiness.


As one of my adolescent clients put it, “I feel like my life isn’t real unless it’s on Instagram.” Anxiety comes when teens compare their unfiltered selves to the filtered lives of others. Everyone’s vacation looks perfect; everyone’s skin is flawless; everyone’s life is #goals. (Spoiler alert: It’s not real, but try telling that to a 16-year-old who’s just scrolled through 200 perfect selfies.) The anxiety that arises from FOMO and the constant pressure to post the perfect image is emotionally draining, like trying to keep up with an Instagram influencer while managing your own real-life meltdown.

3. Academic and Career Pressure: The Weight of Expectations

Let’s talk about the pressure to succeed — it’s suffocating. Gen Z is expected to be academically gifted, socially aware, globally responsible, and, let’s not forget, successful in their future careers by the age of 16. These teens are under immense pressure to excel in school, participate in extracurriculars, volunteer, and prep for the "perfect" career. It’s no wonder that some of them walk into therapy saying they feel like they’re in an academic version of "The Hunger Games."


These pressures are compounded by the belief that their self-worth is tied directly to their academic and career performance. A single bad grade or a missed extracurricular can feel like the end of the world. And don’t even get me started on the societal pressure to attend a top-tier university and secure a "prestigious" job. It’s enough to make anyone anxious, let alone a teenager who’s just trying to survive high school.

4. Overexposure to Global Issues: The Weight of the World on Young Shoulders

You know that moment when you’re scrolling through social media and the world feels like it’s falling apart? Welcome to the daily reality for Gen Z. From climate change to political chaos, economic uncertainty, and social justice movements, today’s teens are constantly exposed to global crises. And here’s the kicker: they actually care. They’re not just scrolling past, they’re feeling deeply connected to these issues — and also completely overwhelmed by them.


I often hear teens express eco-anxiety and existential dread, worrying about a planet they feel may not even be here in their lifetime. The pressure to solve the world’s problems can be paralyzing. When you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, it’s hard to focus on anything else, including, you know, actually getting out of bed in the morning. The challenge here is teaching teens to stay informed without letting these global crises drown them in anxiety. Because, spoiler alert: the world might be in chaos, but we can’t solve it from a phone screen — and certainly not in the middle of a panic attack.

5. Lack of Real-World Social Skills: Disconnect in a Digitally-Connected World

If you’ve ever had a teen stare at their phone for five minutes without speaking a word, you’ve seen the effects of a lack of real-world social skills. These days, teens communicate primarily through texts, DMs, and memes, which, while funny, don’t exactly help them develop the face-to-face conversation skills that are so crucial for navigating social settings.


When teens are faced with real-world interactions, many feel social anxiety because they’re unsure how to communicate, express emotions, or navigate conflict without the buffer of a screen. The result? They isolate themselves or avoid social situations, deepening their anxiety. (Not to mention, it’s kind of hard to win an argument through text when you can’t see the other person’s facial expressions.)

Having Support Makes a Difference


Adolescents and young adults need strong support systems to navigate these challenges and thrive. Whether through therapy, open communication, or tools to manage screen time, creating safe spaces for dialogue and fostering emotional intelligence can help them tackle anxiety head-on. Parents don’t need to have all the answers, but being there, staying connected, and helping them build resilience goes a long way.


At Capstone Counseling and Coaching, we are here to help Gen Z (and their parents) find healthier ways to cope, reduce anxiety, and develop meaningful connections — in the real world, not just on Instagram. Together, we can support this generation to grow stronger, one TikTok dance at a time. To learn more about upcoming workshops for adolescents, young adults, and parents at Capstone Counseling and Coaching, visit our website at www.capstoneatlanta.com.

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