Are Young People Really Less Resilient? The Mental Health Conversation We Need to Have

"Are Gen Z really struggling more than previous generations, or has the world simply become more difficult to navigate?"

It's a question that's increasingly appearing in newspaper headlines, on social media, and recently in an episode of The Rest Is Politics podcast titled "Struggling or Snowflakes? The Gen Z Mental Health Story." The episode brings together psychologist Dr Lucy Foulkes, researcher Shuab Gamote and author Freya India to explore one of the biggest questions facing young people today.

The discussion asks some confronting questions.

Why are more young people being diagnosed with mental health conditions than ever before?

Has therapy culture gone too far, or not far enough?

Why are so many young people disengaged from work or education?

Are today's young people genuinely less resilient, or are they responding to challenges previous generations never had to face?

There aren't any easy answers.

But the conversation is worth having.

Mental Health Is More Visible Than Ever

One thing almost everyone agrees on is that mental health is no longer hidden behind closed doors.

Twenty or thirty years ago, conversations around anxiety, depression or ADHD were often avoided. Today, young people are far more likely to recognise symptoms, seek help and openly discuss their experiences.

That increased awareness is overwhelmingly positive.

However, as Dr Lucy Foulkes points out in the podcast, greater awareness also means we're far more likely to describe everyday struggles using clinical language. Feeling stressed can quickly become "I'm anxious". Feeling organised becomes "I'm so OCD". That doesn't mean people aren't struggling. It simply shows how the language surrounding mental health has changed dramatically.

The World Has Changed Too

It's also impossible to ignore the environment young people are growing up in.

Today's generation is navigating:

• constant social media comparison

• rising housing costs

• cost of living pressures

• uncertain career pathways

• increasing academic expectations

• global uncertainty

• a digital world where it's difficult to switch off.

None of these challenges existed in quite the same way for previous generations.

Comparing resilience across generations without recognising these differences misses an important part of the story.

Struggling Doesn't Mean Weak

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the discussion is that struggling shouldn't automatically be confused with weakness.

As researcher Shuab Gamote explains, many young people aren't lazy or unwilling to work. Many feel overwhelmed by rejection, uncertain about their future, or disconnected from opportunities that once seemed achievable. His research highlights growing feelings of hopelessness and a belief among some young people that success is increasingly out of reach.

When someone feels like every door is closed, motivation naturally suffers.

That doesn't mean they lack resilience.

It often means they need support, encouragement and someone to help them take the next step.

The Importance of Community

One message stood out throughout the podcast.

Young people don't just need more conversations about mental health.

They need communities.

They need purpose.

They need meaningful work, healthy relationships and opportunities to connect with others.

Professional support is incredibly important when someone is experiencing mental ill health. But everyday protective factors, like feeling connected, belonging somewhere and having trusted adults or peers, are equally important.

Where HubbleGC Fits In

At HubbleGC, we know that finding support isn't always straightforward.

There are dozens of incredible organisations across the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed region offering counselling, youth programs, mentoring, employment support, housing assistance, community activities and wellbeing services.

The challenge is knowing where to find them.

That's why HubbleGC exists.

Rather than searching dozens of different websites, HubbleGC brings together local youth services, programs, events and resources in one place, making it easier for young people, families and professionals to connect with the support that's available.

Whether you're looking for someone to talk to, somewhere to belong, or help taking the next step, our directory is designed to help you find it.

The Conversation Should Continue

The podcast deliberately asks provocative questions.

Are young people struggling?

Or are they snowflakes?

The reality is probably much more nuanced than either label suggests.

Every young person's experience is different. Some need professional mental health support. Others need opportunities, purpose, connection or simply someone who believes in them.

Instead of debating labels, perhaps the more important question is this:

How can we build communities that help young people thrive?

At HubbleGC, we believe that's a conversation worth continuing.

Keep the Conversation Going

The discussion around youth mental health is complex and constantly evolving. If you'd like to hear the full conversation that inspired this article, you can listen to the podcast episode below.