Gen Z Thinks Seeking Therapy Makes Them “Mentally Weak” – Despite The Generation’s Mental Health Crisis
Mental health awareness has come a long way in recent years, with platforms, advocates, and conversations shedding light on its importance. Yet, despite this progress, stigma surrounding therapy remains deeply ingrained—especially among Gen Z, the very generation often heralded for their openness in discussing mental health struggles online. According to findings from BetterHelp’s State of Stigma Report, which surveyed over 16,000 individuals across 23 countries, nearly 37% of Gen Z view seeking counseling as a sign of “mental weakness.”
This contrasts sharply with preceding generations, where only 22% of respondents—spanning millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers—share the same viewpoint. The report highlights a puzzling contradiction that exists amidst a growing mental health care crisis: although 73% of Americans acknowledge the critical role mental health support plays in overall well-being, societal attitudes, stereotypes, and misinformation continue to act as roadblocks for many, especially young people.
At a time when Gen Z faces mounting systemic challenges, skyrocketing levels of anxiety (they are more than 2x as likely as Boomers to experience mild to moderate anxiety and almost 4x as likely to experience severe anxiety), and depression, and unprecedented digital pressures, this pervasive stigma risks deepening the barriers to accessing care. Below, we explore the disconnect between Gen Z’s outward mental health advocacy and their reservations around therapy, highlighting the different factors at play and what can be done to help this particular generation overcome fears and misconceptions about therapy and seek the support they need.
Cultural and Social Factors
Generation Z (Gen Z) includes individuals born between 1995 and 2012. As mentioned above, while this generation is open to discussing their mental health struggles, there’s a stigma surrounding actually seeking help. But first, let’s break down why Gen Z is more depressed and anxious than prior generations. Essentially, a myriad of political, economic and social trends seem to be the source (climate change, rising cost of living), with globally, more people are likely to start with personal tools, like mindfulness, rather than professional support.
For example, according to the State of Stigma Report, social media platforms have become informal spaces for mental health conversations making people feel more connected and informed. However, for many, it’s easier to talk online than in therapy. This is the generation that grew up with the internet, and while that can lead to increased social outreach, it also leaves room for more bullying, and less physical contact. And according to the CDC, social isolation and loneliness are widespread problems in the U.S., posing a serious threat to our mental and physical health. Here are some stats to consider:
•Among Gen Z, those most online are also more likely to prefer group therapy over individual and may seek out more spiritual guidance more so than other groups.
•People who spend 4+ hours daily on social media are 57% more likely to believe mental health care fails to improve wellbeing compared to people who abstain from social media.
•They are also almost twice as likely to feel judged for seeking help, 45% more likely to believe therapy rarely solves personal problems compared to people who abstain, and more likely to discuss mental health problems online than with a therapist compared to those spending less time on social media.
The Stigma Around Therapy
According to BetterHelp’s Report, stigma can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, increased stress, and difficulty in daily productivity. Stigma comes from a lack of understanding and directly affects individuals with mental illness but also the loved ones who support them, often including their family members. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood, according to the American Psychiatric Association. There are a number of reasons, someone may delay or not seek help at all.
These include inaccurate media portrayals, cultural beliefs, historical mistreatment of the mentally ill, lack of mental health knowledge, which contributes to the idea that people with mental illness are dangerous and incompetent, and economic barriers i.e. health costs, limited funding, insurance coverage, etc, and fear of discrimination from friends, family, an employer, or even a healthcare professional due to someone’s mental health struggles. Forty percent of Gen Z say cost is the main reason they don’t prioritize their mental health, while 29% say they don’t think it will help or don’t have the time. Additionally, 37% of Gen Z say their therapist doesn’t understand them, or they don’t trust their therapist (33%).
Shifting the Narrative & Debunking Misconceptions
While strides have been made in ending the stigma around mental health, there is still much work that need to be done. Through education and ongoing support, BetterHelp aims to help communities overcome fears and misconceptions about mental health. Seeking mental health treatment is an act of bravery, and overcoming the fear of stigma is crucial for healing and well-being.
BetterHelp’s inaugural State of Stigma findings highlight the importance of ending the bias around mental health and increasing mental health literacy. BetterHelp users around the world are proof of what’s possible with 82% of users saying they would recommend their therapist to someone else and 72% saying they saw a reduction in symptoms.* For parents, it’s important to remember that if your child is struggling, creating a safe space where they can talk about is the first step to addressing their mental health needs and helping them on their journey to get proper mental health care.
*These results reflect self-reported data collected using PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Individual outcomes may vary.