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Mental health study shows Gen Z overwhelmed but undeterred by unrelenting global crises

With 60 per cent of young people reporting feeling overwhelmed by the news, a new study by a coalition of UNICEF and private sector partners shows that young people continue to face stigma and limited access to mental health services.

GENEVA/SAN FRANCISCO, 3 June 2025 – Gen Z is deeply engaged with global issues, consumes news more than any other form of content, and is eager to shape the future, according to a new study unveiled at the Social Innovation Summit in San Francisco from the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, a UNICEF-led, private sector partnership initiative.

Despite their resilience, creativity and determination, a worrying combination of geopolitical conflict, climate and ecological crisis, economic uncertainty and mental health challenges is leaving young people feeling overwhelmed, disempowered and adrift without adequate mental health support or services.

The study, based on a survey of more than 5,600 Gen Z aged 14-25 globally, found that:

• Gen Z consumes news more than any other content, with 6 in 10 feeling overwhelmed by current events.
• 4 in 10 still feel stigma around speaking out about mental health in schools and workplaces.
• Only half know where to find resources to support their mental health.
• Just 55 per cent believe they have effective coping mechanisms to support their mental health and wellbeing.
• Activities rooted in movement, mindfulness, and social connection, such as walking, playing, or spending time with friends and family, are considered the most effective for supporting mental health.
• Despite these pressures, 60 per cent remain hopeful and want to contribute to shaping a better future.

“This report provides a vital glimpse into the collective unease Gen Z are feeling at the current state of the world, and the persistent gaps in the resources they need to promote positive mental health and wellbeing, which is negatively impacting their sense of agency,” said UNICEF Director of Private Fundraising and Partnerships Carla Haddad Mardini. “This generation of young people have the hope, expertise and commitment needed to build a more compassionate and resilient world and it is up to the collective efforts of governments, educators, businesses, foundations and the private sector more widely to work with young people to ensure the necessary support is there.”

The Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, established by UNICEF with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation, brings together businesses, including, lululemon, Jo Malone London, Pinterest, Rituals, Sony Group Corporation, Spotify and Zurich Insurance Group, to address the increasing global burden of mental health in children and young people. To date, the Coalition has collectively invested over US$35 million in child and youth mental health.

“With 4 in 10 Gen Z respondents saying they need support for their mental health, this is a clear call to action and marks an important step forward in understanding youth mental health globally. At lululemon, we believe everyone has the right to be well and the path to wellbeing is only possible when tools, support, and resources are accessible to all. We must work together—across sectors, industries, and regions—to close the gap and scale solutions that offer quality mental health services and experiences for all children, youth, and caregivers,” said Anne Wintroub, Head of Social Impact and Engagement, lululemon.

"At Pinterest, we recognize the profound impact the digital world has on the mental wellbeing of Gen Z. As a member of the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, we are committed to reinforcing Pinterest as a positive corner of the internet and collaborating with partners to ensure young people have access to the resources and support they need to thrive," said Wanji Walcott, Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer, Pinterest.

"In an era marked by endless scrolling and overwhelming noise, Spotify is dedicated to enhancing well-being and fostering positive engagement," said Dina Gabriel, Head of Equity, Diversity & Impact at Spotify. "Through our collaboration with UNICEF and the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, we've created the 'Our Minds Matter Hub'— a carefully curated collection of music, podcasts, and audiobooks tailored specifically to support the mental health and holistic wellness of Gen Z."

"The time of fragmented solutions is behind us. It's time to unite across sectors, foster bold collaboration among decision-makers, scale what works, and invest in systems that put young people at the heart of every strategy. For the private sector, this is not just a responsibility — it’s a powerful opportunity to drive innovation and shape a future where business success and youth empowerment go hand in hand," said Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation.

Despite growing awareness and resource availability, the study findings show many young people still lack clarity on where to turn for help and how to build effective coping skills. Gen Z wants to play an active role in caring for their own mental health, but they also expect governments, schools, employers, and businesses to take responsibility.

As efforts to accelerate progress on child and youth mental health ramp up ahead of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health in September, the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health is calling for more private sector entities to join its efforts. The goal: to co-create and scale solutions that ensure children, youth and caregivers can access quality mental health promotion, prevention and care.

For more information, please contact:

UNICEF Geneva: Claire McKeever, [email protected], Tel: +41 79 609 40 96.

Driving change for child and youth mental health: Key takeaways from UNGA79

This year’s High-Level Week at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) marked a pivotal moment for youth mental health. Historically overlooked in global health discussions, mental health gained unprecedented attention, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). Notably, many key stakeholders have begun referring to it as the "HLM on NCDs and Mental Health"—a crucial shift that reflects the growing recognition of mental health as a global priority. This change not only paves the way for more progressive policies but also opens the door to increased investment in this critical area.

A key insight from the week is the urgent need for better mental health data. The global research community continues to struggle with incomplete and inconsistent data, limiting our ability to understand the full scope of mental health challenges or hold policymakers accountable. As we approach the HLM on NCDs and Mental Health, strengthening data collection and analysis is essential to inform evidence-based solutions. Additionally, there is an increasing emphasis on early, community-based interventions, which are vital for preventing mental health issues before they escalate. These localized, culturally relevant approaches offer accessible support, especially to vulnerable youth populations. Moreover, there is growing recognition of the private sector's role in advancing this agenda. Beyond workplace mental health, the private sector can contribute not only through critical investment but also by piloting and designing innovative solutions that governments can take to scale.

During the UNGA, the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health hosted two significant events. A closed-door roundtable convened public and private sector leaders to discuss the need for coordinated, collective action in addressing the mental health crisis facing children and youth. In collaboration with the Z Zurich Foundation, a second event focused on the power of creativity and innovation to break down barriers, reduce stigma, and promote mental health globally. UNICEF youth advocates, including Aryan Gupta and Alaine Perdomo, provided powerful insights, highlighting the importance of prioritizing child and youth mental health in global initiatives. Moving forward, the Coalition remains committed to building on this momentum, ensuring efforts stay cohesive, strategic, and inclusive of private sector partnerships through 2025 and beyond.