A recent survey based on Gallup’s Life Evaluation Index highlights a stark decline in happiness, life satisfaction, and mental well-being among Generation Z in the United States. Today, 27% of young adults aged 18 to 29 are undergoing treatment for depression, marking an 11 percentage point increase since 2019. Furthermore, only 44% of individuals in this age group feel their lives are actively thriving, a steep drop from the 64% recorded in 2010.
This growing discontent is strongly linked to eroding social ties, unfulfilled personal goals, and a distinct lack of mentorship. Only 47% of young adults report having strong bonds with partners or close friends, compared to 65% in 2019, while daily feelings of happiness have fallen to 64%. Furthermore, just under a third of respondents managed to achieve most of their personal goals over the past year or reported having a mentor who inspires hope for their future.
According to clinical psychologist Dr. Katrina Fiori, these alarming trends are driven by a combination of constant social media exposure, the lasting developmental impact of COVID-19 isolation, and economic pressures like rising housing costs. While life dissatisfaction is also affecting Millennials and Gen X—with fewer than half feeling that they are thriving—Baby Boomers have actually seen an increase in life satisfaction. Overall, the findings underscore severe mental health challenges among today’s youth, though experts note that these factors represent broad correlations rather than a single direct cause.
