What Parents Should Know About Struggling Young Adults in Gen Z
If you’ve got a young adult in your home, or maybe one who’s already out there trying to find their way, you’ve likely noticed something: this generation is struggling in ways we didn’t expect. Generation Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, is growing up in a time that looks very different from the one most parents knew.
Recent studies show that over 65% of Gen Z young adults report at least one mental health concern in the last two years. Rates of anxiety and depression are higher than ever before, and nearly half say they feel anxious most of the time. Many feel lost, disconnected, or uncertain about what their future holds.
At Bridge the Gap Services, we work closely with parents and young adults every day. We see the struggle behind the statistics, the exhaustion, the fear, and the quiet hope that things can get better. This isn’t just about “kids these days.” It’s about a generation facing unique pressures that call for understanding, compassion, and practical support.
Why Gen Z Feels So Different
For many young adults today, the world feels heavy. The rise of technology and social media means they’re more connected than ever and yet lonelier than any generation before them. They scroll through highlight reels of others’ lives while quietly wondering if they’re falling behind.
At the same time, they’re stepping into adulthood during record inflation, skyrocketing housing costs, and a competitive job market shaped by artificial intelligence. College degrees don’t guarantee financial security, and many young adults are burdened by student debt before they even begin their careers.
Then there’s the emotional side: constant exposure to bad news, global crises, and societal division. It’s no wonder that one in three Gen Z adults reports feeling hopeless about the future. They’re growing up in a world that moves fast and demands more while offering little room for rest or reflection.
From “Failure to Launch” to Feeling Stuck
We often hear from parents who say, “My child just can’t seem to get started.” Their young adult might be living at home, struggling to find or keep a job, or avoiding responsibilities that come with independence.
This “failure to launch” isn’t about laziness; it’s often a mix of anxiety, perfectionism, and fear of failure. For many Gen Z young adults, the pressure to “get it right” is crushing. They compare themselves to peers who seem to have everything figured out, and when they fall short, shame takes over.
In sessions with families, we remind parents that emotional growth doesn’t follow a straight path. Some young adults need extra time and guidance to build the confidence and coping skills required to stand on their own. What looks like resistance is often fear in disguise.
Social Media and the Connection Gap
It’s impossible to talk about Gen Z without mentioning social media. This generation has never known life without it; it’s where they connect, learn, and sometimes escape. But that connection can come with a cost.
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can create unrealistic standards for success, appearance, and happiness. Research from Harvard’s Making Caring Common project found that 44% of Gen Z young adults feel like they don’t matter to others, and many say social media makes them feel worse about themselves.
At Bridge the Gap, we encourage families to open up conversations about digital wellness. This doesn’t mean banning phones; it means teaching balance. Ask your young adult what they enjoy online, who they follow, and how those experiences make them feel. The goal isn’t control, it’s understanding.
Sometimes, we suggest “digital detox” weekends or screen-free evenings as a family. Small changes can lead to deeper conversations, better sleep, and reduced stress.
Anxiety, Depression, and the Search for Meaning
There’s a quiet crisis among Gen Z that often hides behind humor and self-awareness: a loss of purpose. Half of young adults say they struggle with knowing what to do with their lives, and 58% report lacking a sense of meaning.
This lack of direction can lead to feelings of depression and isolation. Many young adults describe feeling stuck, working jobs they don’t love, living at home longer than planned, or unsure of what goals to set.
As coaches and mentors, we’ve seen how powerful it can be when a young person begins to reconnect with their “why.” It might start small; a hobby, volunteer work, or a part-time job that reignites a sense of pride. Growth often begins with one simple success, one small win that reminds them they’re capable.
Parents can support this by shifting from “What are you going to do?” to “What are you curious about?” Encouragement goes much further than pressure.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Gen Z
The COVID-19 pandemic hit Gen Z at one of the most crucial stages of development. Many lost milestones like graduation ceremonies, college experiences, and early job opportunities. Others faced long periods of isolation, missing out on key years of social and emotional growth.
Even now, the effects linger. Some young adults report social anxiety after years of online classes or remote work. Others struggle to rebuild routines or find motivation. For parents, it can be confusing; your child is technically an adult, but emotionally, they might still be recovering from the losses of those years.
One of the best things families can do is rebuild structure and community. Encourage healthy daily habits, connection with peers, and small steps toward independence. Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency can restore confidence over time.
Substance Use and Self-Medication
When emotions feel too big to handle, some young adults turn to substances as a way to cope. The stress, anxiety, and lack of direction many Gen Zers experience can make them vulnerable to using drugs or alcohol to escape.
In our work at Bridge the Gap, we’ve seen how substance use often begins as an attempt to find relief or control. The problem is, it quickly becomes another source of pain. Recognizing the signs early, changes in mood, sleep, or social behavior, can make all the difference.
Parents often feel powerless in this situation, but your role is critical. Keep communication open. Let your child know they can talk to you without fear of shame or punishment. Encourage them to reach out for professional support. Recovery starts with honesty and compassion, not blame.
Building Coping Skills That Last
The truth is, life isn’t getting easier, but young adults can get stronger. Resilience isn’t something they’re born with; it’s something they can build. And as a parent, you can help guide that process.
Encourage your child to find activities that bring them peace and purpose, exercise, art, volunteering, or spending time outdoors. Teach them to manage stress through healthy outlets like mindfulness or journaling.
At Bridge the Gap, we often teach coping skills that include:
Mindful breathing and grounding exercises to calm the body.
Creative outlets like music or art to process emotions.
Physical activity to release tension and improve mood.
Connection with mentors and peers who reinforce positive growth.
Even small changes can begin to shift the way a young adult handles stress. Over time, they build the emotional tools to face life’s challenges without breaking under the pressure.
How Parents Can Support Without Taking Over
Parents often walk a fine line between helping and enabling. It’s natural to want to protect your child, but long-term growth happens when they’re allowed to face challenges with guidance, not control.
Here’s what we often tell parents:
Listen before you fix. Your child wants to feel heard. Sometimes, they’re not looking for a solution, they just need space to process.
Set gentle boundaries. Structure helps create stability, but keep expectations realistic.
Encourage accountability. Celebrate small wins, but help them take ownership of their actions.
Stay connected. Even when they pull away, remind them you’re always in their corner.
You can’t walk the path for them, but you can walk beside them.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your young adult is showing signs of depression, anxiety, isolation, or substance use, professional support can make a life-changing difference. Therapy, coaching, and structured programs provide the space and tools they need to heal and grow.
At Bridge the Gap Services, our focus is on empowerment, connection, and skill-building. We help young adults and families rebuild relationships, create structure, and develop the confidence to move forward. Through coaching, case management, and family support, we guide parents and their children step-by-step toward stability and hope.
No one should have to face these challenges alone, and you don’t have to.
A Message of Hope
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like my child,” please know, you’re not failing as a parent. Your young adult isn’t broken or beyond help. They’re just trying to find their footing in a world that often feels uncertain and overwhelming.
This generation is strong. They care deeply about justice, connection, and authenticity. They’re not afraid to talk about mental health, even if they don’t always know where to start. With the right support, they can, and do, heal.
At Bridge the Gap, we’ve seen countless young adults rediscover who they are, reconnect with their families, and build lives they’re proud of. Healing takes time, but it’s absolutely possible.
If your child is struggling, reach out. We’re here to walk beside you both, one step, one day, one breakthrough at a time.