A new poll from Hopelab and Data for Progress could shed light on how younger generations understand and experience mental health — and what they say older generations are getting wrong.
The survey, released Sept. 16, polled 1,305 individuals ages 13-24 between July 8 and 19. Hopelab is a nonprofit organization and Data for Progress is a polling and research organization. The poll’s results underscored the need for intergenerational partnership and more culturally attuned mental health supports.
Five key takeaways:
- While 55% of young people rated their mental health as good to excellent, 23% of LGBTQIA+ individuals and 30% of those facing financial hardship report poor mental health, compared to 12% overall.
- Family issues (86%), having no clear path (83%) and schoolwork (79%) were cited as the leading factors hurting mental health.
- While 57% of respondents said they are optimistic about their own futures, 44% said they are pessimistic about the country’s future and 43% about the planet’s future. Top future priorities were financial (77%), environmental (69%) and emotional stability (66%).
- Nearly 1 in 4 young people (24%) said their school lacks sufficient mental health resources or supportive adults.
- The strongest theme in responses about what older generations are missing: respect and authentic listening. Respondents emphasized that past approaches may not apply to their generation’s distinct challenges.
Read the full poll here.
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