Gen Z Wants Mental Health to be an Institutional Priority

California; Hayward — Shortly after joining the Maryland legislature last year, House Delegate Joe Vogel introduced his inaugural bill, aiming to alleviate up to $30,000 in student debt for mental health professionals working in Maryland public schools. Inspired by the concerns of young people in his Montgomery County-based district, Vogel, now a candidate for Congress in Maryland's 6th District emphasizes addressing the mental health crisis, particularly among his generation, Generation Z. 

NPR highlights Vogel’s mission in a recent story.

Vogel, 27, would be the second member of Gen Z in Congress, and he believes his age provides a unique perspective on issues affecting his generation. He highlights the impact of social media toxicity, climate change fears, and the inadequacy of mental health resources for his age group. Notably, many young Americans, including Gen Z and millennials, express their struggles with mental health, a sentiment reflected in the latest Harvard Youth Poll, where almost half of Americans under 30 reported feeling down or depressed.

John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, notes that the political tumult during their coming of age contributes to high levels of anxiety and depression among younger generations. As mental health increasingly becomes a political focal point, politicians connect high-profile issues such as social media regulation, drug addiction, and gun violence to the well-being of young people.

Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), sees mental health intertwined with various policy areas and urges policymakers to recognize its widespread impact. The Biden administration has taken steps to address mental health, investing over half a billion dollars to increase mental health professionals in schools and launching a 24/7 mental health emergency hotline.

However, political divisions persist, affecting young Americans, particularly LGBTQ rights, which can negatively impact the mental well-being of transgender and nonbinary individuals. Additionally, the role of mental health in response to gun violence remains a partisan issue, with some advocating for mental health reforms while others emphasize the importance of gun control policy changes.

Despite differing political views, there is a consensus that addressing mental health concerns is crucial, especially for young people facing the challenges of today's divisive political climate. The acknowledgment of these issues by politicians is seen as a way to connect with younger constituents who may doubt their understanding or empathy toward their struggles. 

Noumaan Faiz, (he/him) is a journalist and entertainer from Hayward, CA who covers culture and entertainment.

Edited by Nykeya Woods