Gen Z's state of mind.

A Research Presented to
Claret school of Zamboanga City
Senior High School Department
City of Zamboanga, Zamboanga Del Sur

By:
Leinon Lauron
Mary Lizel Narag
Andrei Silorio

Lexter Solomilio
(Qualitative Research Teacher)
 Chapter 1
Introduction

Background of the study:

First What is Mental Health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological,
and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine
how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is
important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through
adulthood. Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems,
you’re thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected.

The state of millennials' mental health in 2020 is looking grim. Depression and
"deaths of despair" are on the rise among millennials, many of whom suffer from
loneliness, money stress, and burnout in the workplace. But millennials are
changing the way people look at mental health by being more open about their
issues and destigmatizing therapy.

Mental health is one of the critical and relevant problem that the world is facing
now than ever before, it affects one's emotional, psychological and social
wellbeing and it also affects the way we think, feel and act. Based on the results
they indicate that about 15% is experiencing critical level of stress, 29% is anxiety
and 21% is depression. Gen Z's were the most affected, the survey, released on
May 21 2020, Gen Z's are more likely to have mental health problems amid the
pandemic, because of the lockdown, people were more likely to spend their time in
the house, which leads to have a bad living habit, too much exposure to the
gadgets, TVs, cellphones and etc., not engaging into physical activities, these bad
habits may obtain to have a mental health problems.
Far too many people think that mental health is a singular, separated piece of your
well-being. But in actuality, your mental health affects your physical health in a
big way. When you’re suffering from mental issues, you may notice things such as
more frequent illness and sore muscles. The state of your mental well-being
directly affects the way your body feels and functions. If you’re concerned with
maintaining good physical health, paying close attention to your mental wellness is
a must
And as Students/Millennials we can relate to Mental health problems because
sometimes we have a lot of work and sometimes, we think that we cannot finish
them all then we will have a Mental breakdown but we have no choice but to finish
them but to some Students or millennials choose to have choice to take their own
life. Especially today this time of pandemic all people are struggling with life. And
the rate of “depression” and “suicide” are Rapidly Increasing And also depression
can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year.

Statement of the Problem

The study is titled “Gen Z’s state of mind” it seeks to identify the factors affecting
the mental health of Gen’Zs.
Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1.What are the factors that can affect the mental health of Gen’Zs ?

2.What can Gen’Zs do to cope up with their Mental Health Issues? ?

3.What made Mental Health Issues Dangerous?

Assumptions

Mental health problems can have a wide range of causes. It's likely that for many
people there is a complicated combination of factors – although different people
may be more deeply affected by certain things than others.

Scope and delimitation

This Study will more Focus on raising more Attention to people to Take Mental
Health Issues Seriously and to not joke about it because we noticed that some
people think that having a mental problem like breakdown, overthinking,
depression is like that they are acting only but in reality, they have problems and
we need to help.
Importance of the Study

Importance of the study

This research study will greatly benefit the following:
This study will give the Commission of Higher Education the causes for
Generation Z’s mental health problems, which will help them develop and improve
more programs that focuses on battling the said issue.
This study will give the school administrators ideas and insights that can be used to
improve the services, programs and activities related to mental health awareness
they offer to their students.
This study will give Psychologists insights about the different causes of mental
health problems on Generation Z, which will help them design an appropriate and
efficient treatment and prevention plan.
This study will give the instructors/professors insights on which activities cause
mental health problems on their students, which can be their reference in terms of
adjusting these activities.
The Generation Z will be more aware of which activities they engage in will most
likely result to them having mental health problems and can help them know which
engagements to and to not take part in.
The researchers will be more knowledgeable as to which factors triggers mental
health. This will also give them suggestions so they can employ proper strategies
on how to prevent and overcome mental health problems.
This study will give future researchers interest to pursue on their own related
research study because this can serve as a basis for their study.

Definition of Terms

Depression- Is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss
of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects
how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical
problems.

Issues- A subject or problem that people are thinking and talking about

Gen Z- Is the newest generation to be named and were born between 1997 and
2012/15. They are currently between 8-23 years old
CHAPTER II

This chapter presents the research design, Source of data, data analysis, the parts of
the action plan and ethical considerations

Research Design

A case study involves an up-close, in-depth, and detailed examination of a

particular case, within its real-world context. Historically, case studies for
everyone have appeared in all sorts of literature, journalistic outlets, and audio-
visual modes. In this sense, many people have produced case studies, both within
but also well outside of the realm of formal teaching or research. In this broader
marketplace, the essence remains the existence of an attractive case, presented by a
writer/composer who conveys a compelling message to her or his audience.
Everyone, including yourself and regardless of any prior training or specialization,
can produce a case study. Your final product may be considered a “popular” case
study, to be shared among readers, colleagues, and friends. At the same time, case
studies can be prepared under two more specialized conditions: Case studies for
teaching and case studies for research. These conditions cover the rest of this entry.

Mainly in the past 50 years, case studies also have become understood as
“research” case studies---being produced by following a formal research method.
These case studies are likely to be published in formal research venues rather than
in popular works. The ensuing case study research can embrace single and multiple
case studies, can include qualitative and quantitative [multiple sources of]
evidence, and can benefit from the prior development of theoretical propositions\
Sources of Data

Gen’Z state of study

The population of Gen’Z who experience depression predicted to overtake all

previous generations in size as they age and older generations die out, has been
beset by mental health issues such as depression and suicide more than previous
generations at this age. Gen Z is the least likely to report good or excellent mental
health, according to an American Psychological Association (APA) study of Gen Z
in October 2018. And just as concerning as the prevalence of stress in this
population is its struggle to manage it. A new study by the JAMA Network of
medical journals shows that suicide rates for America’s youth reached a peak in
2017, with the suicide rate for Americans of all ages increasing 30% from the years
2000 to 2016, according to CDC data.

As Stake (1995) noted, interviews are guided by the researcher, whereas

observations involve taking notes and documenting unguided, naturally-occurring
events. The second additional source of data is document review.

Instrumentation of Data collection

The processes under observation are normal and not contrived. They can range
from individual cases, through to groups and whole communities. They provide
highly detailed information about natural processes. The data collection is
laborious and time-consuming and may have to be repeated to ensure reliability.
However, observation schedules based on a set of expectations can make data
collection easier.

The level of observer participation can vary from wholly participant to non-
participant. The non-participant observer has limited interaction with the people
being observed.

Observers can collect data through field notes, video or audio recording, which can
be analyzed using qualitative analytical tools. If you code your observations to
exact numerical data, it can be analyzed using a quantitative approach.

One of the main benefits of using a wholly or partial participant observation is that
the level of immersion and prolonged involvement with participants can lead to a
good rapport, thereby encouraging participants to speak up freely. This helps with
the rich details of the collected data.

Tools for Data Analysis

The data gathered we subjected to analysis and interpretation. The interview

analysis was used to treat the responses of the Gen Z who were observed or
interviewed.
Ethical Considerations

To Establish and safeguard ethics in conducting this research, the researchers

strictly observed the following:

The Gen Z who experiences this or being interviewed their names are not
mentioned in any part of this research. And according The Gen Z were not
emotionally or physically harmed just to be an interviewee to this study. Their
faces were not also shown on the site or in the video documentation.

Reading and reviewing to see if the site is true and trusted to see if its safe to get
information because some sites are harmful to Gen Z who experience Mental
health issues.

The Observer or researcher collect data through field notes, video or audio
recording that have been analyzed using qualitative analytical tools. And the
observer participation vary from wholly participant to non-participant. The non-
participant observer has limited interaction with the people being observed.
CHAPTER III

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

This chapter presents the interview analysis of the factors affecting the mental
health of Gen’Zs and how to deal and cope with it.

Factors that affects the mental health of Gen Z’s

The first problem in this study dealt on the factors affecting the mental health of
Gen’Zs

One factor which affects the mental health of Gen Z’s were stress from school
works through online class respondent A said “ My mental health was okay when
we have the face to face classes, than having online classes because it is mentally
draining” it shocked the whole history of schooling when covid-19 comes because
the way of learning turned around, where everyone were engaged to go through the
new system of learning which is online class/modular. Gen Z’s who don’t have
enough source would have or encountered some difficulties coping up with the
flow of new learning system.
Strong signal and solemn place are very important to the new learning system. It
serves as a way to the Gen Z’s who learned through online classes, because they
can connect and cope up with the new learning system, it is a great advantage to
those Gen Z’s who have strong signal and solemn place, because it makes their
online classes lighter and accessible.

The findings of the study that corroborates with the study of Isla (2020) she said
that Aside from the issue of slow and unstable internet that causes videos to freeze
and streaming to be disconnected, there may be problems with ambient noises that
can be too distracting. Like dogs barking, tricycles passing by, construction noises
from the neighbor, just to name a few.

Another factors which affects the Gen Z’s mental health are financial problems and
lack of resources . Respondent B said “ Nahihirapan ako sa online class, kase wala
pa kaming extra money para mag buy ng laptop, cellphone lang gamit ko sa
ngayon” it states that gadgets are very essential on the new learning system, if a
Gen’Z individual undergoes online class, laptop is one of the best bridge on
supporting the new learning system, though cellphone can be a better fit too, but
the laptop is the best fit on it.

The findings supports the study from the article of Isla (2020) which states that
Internet subscriptions, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are not exactly cheap.
Students who are from the marginalized sector definitely won’t be able to afford
these.

Manuel (2020) article that also runs parallel to the study which he states This is
especially difficult for those who do not have their own set-up: laptops and all. The
fact that not all students are the same, considerations should be placed on those
who does not have the same privilege as those who have complete requirements for
an online session.

Consider that some students rely on their limited data allocation, some only borrow
their laptop from a family member (or the household has one main computer).
Some students may lack one or two devices needed for clearer communication, and
others may have been relying on their local internet cafes to type their papers given
an ordinary school day.

Further, family issues, also affects the mental health of a Gen’Zindividual.

Respondent C said “ depression starts from home” This implies that family issues
may also affects the mental health of a Gen’Zindividual, because family is the first
foundation of a child, and it is where everything starts. If a Gen Z individual, grew
up in a toxic and negative family environment, most probably they can develop
mental health issues because, Family issues have a significant impact on
emotional, behavioral, and even physical wellbeing. Numerous studies have shown
that social relationships, especially family relationships, can affect one’s mental
health in both the long and short term. Mental wellbeing may be improved or
harmed depending on the essence of these partnerships.

The study runs parallel with the study of Mental health center org (2016) it states
here that, An increasing body of research demonstrates that negative family
relationships can cause stress, impact mental health and even cause physical
symptoms. Research has demonstrated that non-supportive families can detract
from someone's mental health and or cause a mental illness to worsen.
Most of the care that mental health sufferers often rely on is from family, so when
family members deny this support, the recovery process can be negatively affected.

Ways on coping up and improving the mental health of Gen’Zs

The second problem in this study is ways on coping up and improving the mental
health of Gen’Zs.

One of the suggestions of Respondent A is “we need to take a break”, taking a

break plays a great role on coping up and improving mental health, because it
allows the person to find time for themselves and recharge their energy for another
day, rest is one of the best way on improving and coping up.

Another respondent, respondent B stated “ I try to distract myself and take time to
breath and I go laag with my friends, kase the more time I do that the more I
experience peace” taking a break is not just resting but also a change of scene or a
change of pace, it allows the person on moving or doing something but not doing it
much, like hang out with the right companions and exploring new things.

This finding of the study corroborates with the article of Nayak (2020) it states
that Taking breaks allows the brain and body to get the necessary recharge it needs
to keep going,” says Brittany Johnson, a licensed mental health counselor. Keeping
up the grind may seem fruitful, but it can negatively impact long-term
performance and mental health.

A break can be really helpful to refocus the attention if someone experience brain
fog or feel absent-minded. Taking a moment to recharge alone gives time to
reflect on themselves and understand why you are feeling the way you are. This
short pause can actually help reboot the brain to be more tuned in. “It allows you
time to come up with other ideas or solutions to [what] you are working on,” says
Brittany.

Another way to cope up and improve Gen’Z mental health is being surrounded
with healthy environment, respondent D said “ we need to be surrounded with the
right people and healthy environment “ it is important to be surrounded in a
healthy environment because boost the state of minds of a person, where positivity
and enthusiastic attitude is present.

The findings runs parallel from the article of Lighten (2020) it states that Social
factors are issues in the immediate family or wider community which can have an impact upon
mental health.

The findings Harmonized the study from the article of Mental health center org (2016) it states
that Family and positive environment impacts the mental health of Gen’Zs
When family relationships are stable and supportive, a person suffering from mental health
issues or disorders may be more responsive to treatment. Companionship, emotional support and
often even economic support can have a positive impact on someone coping with a mental health
problem.
What made Mental Health Issues Dangerous

The third problem in this study is figuring what made Mental Health Issues Dangerous.

Emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all aspects of mental health. It has an impact
on how to think, feel, and act. It also aids in determining how to deal with tension, interact with
others, and make decisions. Mental health is critical at all stages of life, including childhood,
adolescence, and adulthood. That’s why if a person is mentally unstable, it can be dangerous
because it affects everything.

Respondent B said “ when i was clinically diagnosed with anxiety, it really looses my energy to
interact and it makes me wanna give up on want i love to do” it is really alarming when
someone is diagnosed with mental health issues such as anxiety, because it gives lack of
motivation and fear to move, that’s why mental health issues or disorders is dangerous, and
anxiety is a type of mental disorder where it can be developed to anyone, even Gen’Z cannot
outrun from it.

Respondent E said “ habang nagkaka-anxiety attack ako, sad to say i am isolating myself “

The study runs parallel from the article of Holland (2020) it states that This type of anxiety may
cause you to stop doing things you enjoy. In extreme cases, it may prevent you from entering an
elevator, crossing the street, or even leaving your home. If left untreated, the anxiety will keep
getting worse. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect
anyone at any age. 

Another article that supports the study Disability-Benefits-Help.org (2021) it states that Anxiety
orders are psychiatric disorders which cause excessive worry, unease, fear of the future,
apprehensiveness, and difficulty dealing with uncertainty to the degree that it affects a person’s
mental, emotional, and/or physical health. The disorder causes high levels of stress and anxiety,
ranging from mild fits of nervousness to full blown terror.

Although anxiety disorders are not physical maladies, they can affect your ability to perform
physical work. Those who have panic attacks, shaking, or other common effects of anxiety
disorders may find it difficult to perform tasks which require fine motor skills. On top of that,
many jobs which involve physical labor (especially heavy physical labor) are dangerous for
those who have anxiety attacks. Many who suffer from anxiety disorders also have muscle
tension, which can cause some forms of physical work to be much more difficult.

CHAPTER IV

Summary

This study sought to determine the factors affecting the mental health of individuals.
Specifically, it aimed to establish the factors affecting the mental health of millennials or those
belonging to the Generation Z age bracket; the ways in which these individuals can cope with
mental health issues; and the magnanimity of the dangers associated with mental health
problems.

This study is descriptive-qualitative with interview questions as the instrument of the study. Data
collection was done through field-notes and video-recordings which have been analyzed by the
researchers using qualitative analytical tools.
Findings

The researchers established the following findings:

1. The most common factors affecting GenZ’s mental health thus far, were: stress and
anxiety from schools works through online classes; limited financial means that bring
about lack of materials and resources to keep up with the new normal set up; and, familial
issues that affect the entire household, ultimately affecting the individual’s physical and
emotional well-being.
2. The ways in which these individuals can cope with mental health issues are taking breaks
and surrounding oneself with a healthy environment.
3. The magnanimity of the danger surrounding mental health issues covers the emotional,
physical, mental, and even spiritual aspects.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the following are concluded:

1. The causes of mental health problems of GenZ millennials affect almost all aspects of
one’s well-being, more frequently due to environmental than personal factors.
2. The dangers of one’s mental health state can be mitigated when the causes are
ascertained, thereby making it easy to come up with ways to cope and tackle the mental
issues one is struggling with.

Recommendations

1. Mental Health should be taken seriously and adults or parents should be educated as to
the causes and impacts of poor mental health among millennials.
2. Millennials experiencing mental health issues should be given utmost understanding now
more than ever as they are facing struggles caused by their poor emotional and mental
state due to personal and environmental factors that vary from person to person.