In a world obsessed with technology, news, and social media, are we really surprised that our mental states are crumbling? Unlike generations that came before us, Gen Z is experiencing unprecedented mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, burnout, and loneliness, to name a few. Barna finds that more than 50% of all mental disorders show signs of symptoms by age fourteen and 75% by twenty-five. Yet, less than 20% seek or find help in the local church because they perceive judgment. According to the University of California, San Francisco, young adults (18-25) have the highest prevalence of any mental illness (AMI) (48%).
I barely remember the days before flip phones, iPads, and computer games, but I remember them. My days were spent running outside, creating imaginary friends, and cooking with my grandma. But this generation lacks most of these memories. From the beginning, their days were spent stuck behind screens, Chromebooks, and Google Classroom assignments. Chaos has been rising; we’ve just been too infatuated to notice.
Why does this matter for churches and campus ministries? From high levels of disengagement to spiritual searching and the need for authentic connection, it's clear that young adults are searching for help but are left empty-handed. If we continue to add to the problem through judgment, misunderstanding, and being uninformed, will they ever find a solution? With 1 million leaving the Church every year, can we prevent Gen Z from becoming a truly faithless generation? The church and campus ministries have a unique opportunity to be safe havens and catalysts for healing, but it's up to us to take action.
According to PsychPlus, some of the most common struggles for Gen Z stem from this disconnect of being interconnected, yet disconnected in society. In combination with genetics, messy family upbringings, and life circumstances, it's no wonder that anxiety and depression, loneliness and social isolation, burnout and performance pressure, and identity and existential questioning are at an all-time high. But, we also can't solely blame technology—"Anxiety, depression, burnout, and loneliness have become common struggles for this generation, and it’s not just because they’re “too online” or “too sensitive” (as some might claim). Between academic pressure, job market uncertainties, social overload, and the weight of world issues, Gen Z is navigating a mental health minefield like no generation before. A recent study found that over 40% of Gen Z report feeling persistently sad or hopeless, a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for change."
While it's not an extensive list of causes, PsychPlus agrees that social and comparison culture, academic and career pressure, family instability or trauma, and distrust of institutions, including the church, certainly play a role. And this matters, because we as a Church are called to do and be better.
Practically speaking, if we want to reach this generation, we have to speak their language. In other words, we must learn to shift our ministry mindset so that we can help them understand theirs. Instead of focusing on "fixing" their mental health struggles, try active listening. Listen to hear—and truly hear them—not respond. There is a reason why empathy beats quick solutions or cliché answers, and we can see this example from Jesus. He was slow to speak, quick to listen, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). He also sat with people in their suffering, always expressing empathy over condemnation.
The second way we can shift our ministry mindset is to move from "programs" to presence. Instead of hosting huge mental health events or trainings (though those can be helpful), prioritize relationships and meaningful connections. We were created for companionship with others, and we're called to be intentional about those relationships. Jesus had 12 disciples, but each of those 12 disciples mattered. What you do for one of the least of these, you do for the Kingdom—and that one matters (Matthew 25:40).
Finally, the third and most important way we can seek to understand Gen Z's mental health crisis is to approach them not with "judgment," but with eternal and Christ-like grace. One of the best ways to replace criticism or judgment is through addressing the stigmas around mental health, specifically in Christian spaces. I won't be the first to tell you that unhealthy churches exist and cause damage to those who are suffering. But speaking from the pulpit about these sufferings, correctly, through proper education and training, can change the world. Fantastic trainings from the American Association of Christian Counselors, Soul Shepherding, Mental Health America, and First Aid USA are just a few to get you started.
As we learn to make these mindset shifts as a community, we can then create what I like to call a "Culture of Belonging."
By definition, a culture of belonging is a safe, shame-free environment that represents Gospel truth and being human. It uses language that normalizes talking about mental health, but also avoids over-spiritualizing mental illness. These communities aren't afraid to address mental health concerns from the pulpit, but rather do so by incorporating mental health awareness into biblical and psychological teaching. They look at biblical examples of those with emotional struggles (David, Elijah, Jeremiah), and address the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. We are bio-psycho-social-emotional-relational beings and deserve to be cared for in such a way.
Building a culture of belonging also means training leaders, staff, and volunteers—not to be mental health experts, but to be mental health advocates who are informed. This can help your church to be prepared when circumstances do arise, and know when to refer individuals to professionals. Having a list of trusted counselors, psychiatrists, and hotlines readily available is also key!
Churches can help with Gen Z's mental health crises, but it's something they cannot do alone. Coming together as a community means designing ministry touchpoints that work in conjunction with other churches, organizations, and individuals. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
-Small Groups: These spaces focus on authenticity and create safe spaces for individuals with struggles to share openly without fear.
-Workshops & Panels: While small groups are often more effective, inviting mental health professionals to speak at large-scale events can also be useful. Coming up with creative events to talk about mental health openly can also create a more welcoming environment for those who struggle. Leveraging social and in-person gatherings for ongoing support can additionally be useful.
-Mentorship Programs: Out of all the suggestions I could mention, there is immense value in mentorship and discipleship programs. When older, empathetic believers, who are trained in mental health awareness, can pair with younger adults to help them through life's journey, transformation happens. God works through a variety of counsel, and that counsel can come in the form of older wisdom.
-Partner with Professionals & Community Resources: Building relationships with local Christian counselors and clinics (inside of the Church and out) is one of the best ways to provide resource lists and referrals to those who are struggling. You may also consider finding therapists who don't advertise themselves as Christian counselors, but can integrate faith when desired, in case spiritual trauma is at play. Bonus: If your church can offer scholarships or help for counseling when low finances or challenges arise, that makes it difficult for individuals to seek professional help.
Although I am the biggest supporter and advocate for mental health, I want to be clear that mental health support can be part of discipleship, not separate from it. Jesus' ministry model displayed this perfectly: continually showing those He interacted with divine compassion, everlasting healing, and constant presence. We have an opportunity to offer this world hope that is biblical and practical, eternal and true.
Pastors and leaders can't solve every problem, but they can create spaces where young adults feel seen, heard, valued, and validated. Our ministry to this generation, mental health struggles or not, is not about perfection, but consistency, authenticity, and pointing them to Christ's love.
Photo Credit:©Getty Images/Petri Oeschger