Lara Spirit, a political correspondent at The Times, and Tanya Marwaha, a passionate mental health campaigner, delve into the striking survey on Generation Z's mental health and employment. They discuss the alarming rise in long-term sickness among young adults and the unique challenges faced by Gen Z in the workforce. Personal experiences of mental health struggles and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives provide deep insights. The importance of better support systems and addressing misconceptions about work ethic emerges as a vital theme.
One in three young people from Generation Z have sought mental health support, highlighting a significant shift in their openness to discuss emotional challenges.
The rise in long-term sickness among young people raises urgent questions about the adequacy of current government support systems for transitioning into the workforce.
Deep dives
Rising Economic Inactivity Among Young People
The UK is experiencing a concerning trend in economic inactivity, particularly among young people. One in every 15 individuals of working age is now classified as long-term sick, with this figure being significantly higher than in Germany and Italy. Surprisingly, a notable portion of this demographic consists of youths, highlighting a shift in the workforce where young people are increasingly unable to work due to health issues. This situation raises alarms about the long-term economic implications, as many of these youths are not seeking employment despite expressing a desire to work.
Generational Perspectives on Mental Health
Generation Z exhibits a higher willingness to discuss mental health issues compared to previous generations, with surveys indicating that one in three young people have sought help for mental health conditions. There exists a substantial gender disparity, as 44% of young women have sought treatment compared to 29% of young men, suggesting a greater openness among females towards seeking help. Generational experiences, particularly during the pandemic, have played a significant role in shaping these attitudes. Young people's acknowledgment of their emotional challenges contrasts sharply with assumptions about their material well-being.
Impact of the Pandemic on Young People's Lives
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the experiences of young people, with many feeling that formative years were lost due to lockdowns and remote learning. While younger members of Generation Z reported enjoying the pandemic's leisure aspects, those who were older felt that critical life milestones were delayed or diminished. This has contributed to a sense of lost opportunity and heightened struggles with mental health. For some, like university students, navigating education during such a tumultuous time created profound challenges affecting their outlook on the future.
The Need for Structural Changes in Support Systems
As the percentage of young people on long-term sick leave continues to grow, there is a pressing need for reform in how the government supports these individuals. Many young people transitioning from education to the workforce are finding themselves economically inactive due to mental health issues, raising questions about the effectiveness of current support systems. Existing policies treat sickness benefits differently than unemployment benefits, which can create disincentives for young people to seek help and re-enter the workforce. Comprehensive mental health services, alongside targeted initiatives to bridge the gap between education and employment, are essential for reversing this trend.
The Times has unveiled a landmark survey of Generation Z. What are their attitudes towards modern Britain, sex, drugs and… mental health? 1 in 3 young people have sought help for their mental health and a growing number are on long-term sickness. So what’s going on?
If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123.
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Guests:
Lara Spirit, Red Box Editor, The Times.
Tanya Marwaha, mental health campaigner and Beyond Youth board member.