For many young people, hiding their struggles is often the easiest way to avoid uncomfortable conversations or stares.
Whether it's dealing with financial constraints, battling a serious illness or hiding mental health struggles, Gen Z has become adept at masking their difficulties.
Unfortunately, this has also meant that many suffer in silence.
Research from the Walton Family Foundation in 2022 revealed that 42 per cent of Gen Z struggle with depression or other mental health conditions.
This percentage is likely even higher today.
Gen Z is now, arguably, the most depressed generation walking the earth.
Despite this, many manage to appear ‘fine’ on the surface.
So how do some Gen Zs cope with high-functioning depression?
One such person, a recent graduate from Bangladesh whom we’ll refer to as ‘S’, shared her experience with Sinar Daily.
THE STRUGGLE OF HIGH-FUNCTIONING DEPRESSION
High-functioning depression is a term used to describe individuals who experience the crushing symptoms of depression – anxiety, hopelessness, and fatigue – but continue to go about their daily routines, often without others noticing.
S, who studied mechanical engineering at a local university in Malaysia, said despite her depression, she completed her assignments and attended classes, all while being labelled "lazy” or "carefree” by others.
"It’s incredibly difficult to get out of bed in the morning,” she said adding that the feeling is so overwhelming that even simple tasks like showering seem daunting.
But S had pushed through, graduating despite her battles.
Her story is familiar to many Gen Zs, as this generation has mastered the art of ‘masking’, a psychological term used to describe people who, despite struggling with mental health conditions like ADHD or autism, have learned to hide their struggles and act ‘normal’.
THE PRESSURE TO ‘MASK’ AND THE ROLE OF FAMILY
For many Gen Zs, masking is often a survival mechanism.
S believed that much of this stems from the lack of understanding and support from the older generations.
"Mental health was a taboo subject for many parents and the stigma surrounding therapy and psychiatric help remains prevalent," she said.
Instead, many Gen Zs are met with shaming or even physical discipline when they seek help for their mental health struggles.
Another contributing factor to the rise in depression is unhealthy comparison, commonly known as Fomo (Fear of Missing Out).
In the age of social media, Gen Zs constantly compare themselves to the curated lives of influencers, who often project an idealised version of their reality.
S said before the internet, people didn’t have to compete with others in such a relentless way.
"The constant exposure to others’ ‘perfect’ lives has only heightened feelings of inadequacy."
THE WAY FORWARD
While the mental health struggles of Gen Z are undeniable, S said that no one is truly alone in their battle.
"Help is always available, no matter how hopeless you may feel."
"Do reach out as help is often just a screen tap away in this day and age."
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future as conversations about mental health continue to grow and evolve, even in regions where such discussions were once considered taboo.
For Gen Z, breaking the silence and seeking help may be the key to overcoming the struggles they face.
Whether it's dealing with financial constraints, battling a serious illness or hiding mental health struggles, Gen Z has become adept at masking their difficulties.
Unfortunately, this has also meant that many suffer in silence.
Research from the Walton Family Foundation in 2022 revealed that 42 per cent of Gen Z struggle with depression or other mental health conditions.
This percentage is likely even higher today.
Gen Z is now, arguably, the most depressed generation walking the earth.
Despite this, many manage to appear ‘fine’ on the surface.
So how do some Gen Zs cope with high-functioning depression?
One such person, a recent graduate from Bangladesh whom we’ll refer to as ‘S’, shared her experience with Sinar Daily.
THE STRUGGLE OF HIGH-FUNCTIONING DEPRESSION
High-functioning depression is a term used to describe individuals who experience the crushing symptoms of depression – anxiety, hopelessness, and fatigue – but continue to go about their daily routines, often without others noticing.
S, who studied mechanical engineering at a local university in Malaysia, said despite her depression, she completed her assignments and attended classes, all while being labelled "lazy” or "carefree” by others.
"It’s incredibly difficult to get out of bed in the morning,” she said adding that the feeling is so overwhelming that even simple tasks like showering seem daunting.
But S had pushed through, graduating despite her battles.
Her story is familiar to many Gen Zs, as this generation has mastered the art of ‘masking’, a psychological term used to describe people who, despite struggling with mental health conditions like ADHD or autism, have learned to hide their struggles and act ‘normal’.
THE PRESSURE TO ‘MASK’ AND THE ROLE OF FAMILY
For many Gen Zs, masking is often a survival mechanism.
S believed that much of this stems from the lack of understanding and support from the older generations.
"Mental health was a taboo subject for many parents and the stigma surrounding therapy and psychiatric help remains prevalent," she said.
Instead, many Gen Zs are met with shaming or even physical discipline when they seek help for their mental health struggles.
Another contributing factor to the rise in depression is unhealthy comparison, commonly known as Fomo (Fear of Missing Out).
In the age of social media, Gen Zs constantly compare themselves to the curated lives of influencers, who often project an idealised version of their reality.
S said before the internet, people didn’t have to compete with others in such a relentless way.
"The constant exposure to others’ ‘perfect’ lives has only heightened feelings of inadequacy."
THE WAY FORWARD
While the mental health struggles of Gen Z are undeniable, S said that no one is truly alone in their battle.
"Help is always available, no matter how hopeless you may feel."
"Do reach out as help is often just a screen tap away in this day and age."
Despite the challenges, there is hope for the future as conversations about mental health continue to grow and evolve, even in regions where such discussions were once considered taboo.
For Gen Z, breaking the silence and seeking help may be the key to overcoming the struggles they face.