50 percent of Generation Z youth (those born between 1997-2012) say they seek treatment for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or other mental health issues, with 24 percent seeking treatment 'online’. Conducted by consultant Oliver Wyman’s report 'Generation Z: Shaping the Future of Consumer Trends’ covering 67 million people worldwide.
In this sense, Generation Z is known for its proactive approach to physical and mental health, and they feel worse than other generations, the report concluded. However, they show a significant willingness to explore both conventional and alternative solutions to improve their general well-being. With a strong emphasis on data-driven solutions, Gen Z values the ability to measure and track their progress, seeking a sense of control over their entire healthcare story.
According to these data, Z are 1.9 times more likely to suffer from mental health problems than other generations. One of the reasons for this high number may be the pressure they put on themselves. As a generation characterized by activity and content valuing and success, they have higher and higher expectations in many aspects of life, making it easy for them to be disappointed.
However, Generation Z is more willing than others to be open about mental health. They break down barriers and engage in conversations that were previously considered private or uncomfortable. Not only is Z talking about mental health, but also about other taboo topics like women’s health or addiction.
As a result, women are 63 percent more likely than other generations to openly discuss their menstrual cycle in the workplace, the study found. Furthermore, 41 percent of these youth are more likely than other generations to talk openly about addiction and its associated challenges in the same context, reflecting Z’s commitment to eliminating stigmas and promoting a more inclusive and supportive society.
However, mental health will be one of the biggest challenges facing this generation as their well-being has been significantly affected by the pandemic, according to research.
Among the mental health issues facing this generation, 42 percent of those surveyed say they’ve dealt with anxiety issues in the past two years, and 39 percent say they’ve dealt with an episode of depression.
New patient profile
On the other hand, the report also reveals that this generation has a new, more digital patient profile, more informed and engaged in remote treatments and their health history. In these patients, their health history goes beyond conversations, expanding toward an active search for guidance for functioning in the health care system.
In this way, they are twice as likely as other generations to share personal health information, demonstrating their desire for how to best navigate the system, valuable information and personalized help to effectively manage their health.
Gen Z’s affinity for data and technology plays a significant role in their healthcare preferences. They are turning to wearable devices and other technologies that allow them to measure and monitor their health. More than half of members say they share data from their wearable devices with their insurer, third-party app or health center.
This willingness to share health data demonstrates your desire for personalized, data-driven health experiences. Generation Z is also open to incorporating technology into their mental health support, with 24 percent already using (or having used in the past 2 years) online therapy services.
Providers must therefore adapt to the digital expectations of Generation Z and adopt technologies that facilitate convenient and accessible healthcare experiences. Zs expect their health care providers to be easily available online and engage in ongoing conversations through a variety of digital channels, whether it’s texting through a practice-specific portal or video calling to discuss test results. engagement and access from their healthcare providers.
