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The Lost Generations: Millennial and Gen Z’s Struggle for Purpose
Seeking Meaning in a World of Overwhelming Choices, Uncertainty, and Societal Pressures.
In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding mental health and a sense of purpose among younger generations. Millennials and Generation Z, born between the early 1980s and mid-2000s, have been widely criticized for their seemingly aimless pursuits and dissatisfaction with life. Many wonder what happened to the once bright-eyed youths looking forward to a promising future.
The first statistic that stands out is the increasing rate of depression and anxiety among these younger generations. According to the American Psychological Association, there has been a 63% increase in major depressive episodes among young adults aged 18–25 between 2009 and 2017. Additionally, a 2018 study by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of Gen Z individuals consider anxiety and depression a significant issue among their peers.
One of the main factors contributing to this sense of disillusionment is the overwhelming number of choices and paths available to young people today. While previous generations may have followed a more linear career trajectory, the rise of the gig economy and entrepreneurship has opened up countless possibilities for…
