Why is Gen Z increasingly vulnerable to depression?

Indonesia is facing a growing mental health crisis among its youth, with alarming statistics revealing the extent of the problem. The Indonesia National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS) 2022 found that 34.8% of adolescents, totaling approximately 15.5 million, struggle with mental health issues. Of these, 5.5% meet the criteria for a diagnosed mental disorder.

Further underscoring the severity, the recent Free Health Check Program (CKG) for 2025–2026 indicated that nearly 10% of Indonesian children, around 700,000, exhibit symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. The CKG program, which surveyed about 7 million children, reported that 4.4% experienced anxiety disorders and 4.8% showed symptoms of depression.

Multiple factors contribute to this rising trend. The pressures of puberty, emotional fluctuations, and societal expectations, particularly amplified by social media, play a significant role. Social media often presents a distorted view, creating a gap between teenagers' real lives and their perceptions or high expectations for the future. This is compounded by less-than-ideal environments, including family upbringing, peer bullying, internet addiction, economic struggles, and lifestyle choices.

Globally, Generation Z is exhibiting increased skepticism due to career and future uncertainties. However, a counter-wave of resistance is emerging, potentially signaling a turning point for this generation. The current multidimensional global crises, including future uncertainty, financial pressures from unstable job markets, and social media's demanding expectations, contribute significantly to anxiety and depression among young people.

Mental health is influenced not only by individual factors but also by family, social circles, and the education system. Generation Z, having grown up in the digital age, is adept at using technology. However, the pervasive influence of secular-capitalist culture in the boundless digital space can weaken this potential. Social media platforms allow for the easy production and dissemination of negative content, which can be both distracting and addictive for young people. Consequently, a generation with immense potential risks losing its way due to these influences. The author suggests a need for state intervention to protect this demographic.