Gen X is facing an unprecedented mental health conundrum – here's why

They’re in uncharted waters

While of course every generation is faced with different sources of stress and hardship, the report reveals Aussies classed as Generation X – born between 1965 and 1980 – are facing an unprecedented challenge.

According to a new report conducted by Medibank and News Australia’s The Growth Distillery, an overwhelming majority of Gen X Aussies are tasked with caring for both their aging parents and aging children. 

Despite experiencing considerably more financial security, home ownership and career establishment than younger generations, the increasing financial, emotional and physical pressure to act as caretakers for the generations preceding and succeeding them is negatively impacting the mental health of Gen X Aussies. 

Gen X: The Caretaker Generation

Thanks to advancements in technology, research and healthcare innovation, as well as decades of healthy habits, people are now living well into their 80s and 90s, with some even hitting triple digits. 

But as more elderly Aussies reach a milestone age, we’re presented with a unique set of challenges. With Australia’s healthcare and aged care systems somewhat overwhelmed by the increasing number of elderly Australians, the onus to provide care and support often falls on members of Gen X.  

On the flipside, the rising cost of living and unwavering housing crisis are forcing many younger Australians to depend more heavily on their parents (again, Gen X) for financial support. 

As a result, a large proportion of Gen X Aussies have been forced to take on the role of caretaker for both their children and their parents, a sandwich of responsibility no other generation has yet to experience in the same way. 

Gen X find it particularly difficult to open up to their children about their mental health. Image: iStock

Pressure to support those around them

Despite bordering on the age of retirement, many Gen X Aussies are working later in life due to the sustained cost of living and dependency of other generations. As a result, Gen X reports their main source of stress is financial responsibilities such as mortgages and retirement planning. 

The State of Mind: Australia's Mental Health Conversation report also reveals that managing the health issues that come with aging, such as menopause, is another factor significantly impacting Gen X’s mental health.

With the responsibility of supporting their children and parents – financially, physically and emotionally – often falling solely on them, Gen X reports feeling a reluctance to burden others with their problems, especially when it comes to speaking about their mental health.

There is a serious need for improved mental health literacy and communication across all relationships. Image: iStock

Overcoming a reluctance to open up

While a reluctance to burden others is a universal barrier, Gen X find it particularly difficult to open up to their children about their mental health and any struggles they may be experiencing, despite their children being adults themselves. 

According to the report, 28 per cent of parents of 16 to 30-year-olds reveal they’ve never had a conversation about their own mental health with their adult children.

Hesitancy aside, the report reveals a strong desire among younger Australians to have more frequent and open discussions about mental health with their Gen X parents, but also that 8 in 10 Australians expect parents to initiate conversations with their children. 

According to the statistics, there is a serious need for improved mental health literacy and communication across all relationships, especially between those stemming from different generations. 

With Gen X feeling overly burdened by the financial and emotional needs of those around them, as well as a pressure to support and provide for them, it’s imperative that we find methods of enhancing communication to strengthen family support systems across the board.

According to the report, despite 4 in 10 Aussies finding it difficult to relate to the challenges and struggles of different generations, 70 per cent of people believe that hearing their parents share their personal struggles would make them more comfortable discussing their own.

Originally published as Gen X is facing an unprecedented mental health conundrum – here's why