Impact of Mental Or Physical Health Challenges on Genz Teens

The mental and physical health challenges faced by GenZ teens are increasingly prevalent, exacerbated by factors like the Covid-19 pandemic and the omnipresence of social media. Academic pressures, FOMO, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to a complex landscape of issues impacting their overall well-being. These challenges, ranging from disrupted routines to unhealthy habits, not only affect academic performance but also strain relationships and self-esteem. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective support systems for this generation.

Dr Sukriti Rex, Lead Psychologist & Researcher, Evolve shares some common mental health challenges and its impact faced by GenZ teens:

1. Covid-19 PandemicSchool closures, social isolation, and disruptions to routines have exacerbated existing mental health issues and created new ones. This has also led to a downturn in performance because many have struggled with the transition of moving from in-person to virtual and back to in-person studying.
2. Academic PerformanceMental health issues can lead to difficulty concentrating, decreased motivation, and lower grades. It can also impact focus at school, outside interests and overall stress at home.
3. Fomo & self-esteem issuesWith social media usage constantly growing, FOMO (fear of missing out) and anxiety also increases. They compare their own lives to the reels and highlights of others and feel like they aren’t doing enough.
4. RelationshipsSocial withdrawal and emotional struggles can strain relationships with family and friends. It can also lead to slightly superficial relationships that lack depth due to a lack of authentic connections.

Some common physical health challenges and its impact:

1. Sedentary LifestyleIncreased screen time and a decline in outdoor activities contribute to a less active lifestyle, raising the risk of obesity and related health problems. The pandemic and general anxiety can add to it.
2. Sleep DeprivationSocial media use and academic demands often lead to sleep deprivation, impacting concentration, mood, and overall health. The excessive negative screen time can increase anxiety too. Evolve has joyful sleep meditations that make screen time positive and can help users improve their relationship with sleep.
3. Unhealthy Eating HabitsConvenience foods and easy access to sugary drinks can lead to poor dietary choices, impacting physical well-being. It may also lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and further affect self-esteem.