New research shows young Aussies becoming worried about being single, grief and drugs

Gen Zers reveal some of their biggest fears and worries and what they do to overcome them in a new research project. The results might surprise you.

Young Australians no longer worry about coronavirus or falling victim to cybercrime but are becoming increasingly anxious about being single, grief and drugs.

Most find refuge in movies and music, with even the simple act of taking a bath or shower helping them de-stress and relax.

The 2024 Gen Z Wellbeing Index by youth organisation Year13 and student accommodation provider Scape surveyed 3345 young Aussies aged between 18-24-year-olds on their mental health, physical health, sleep and diet.

It found most had three close friends with 80 per cent of young people reporting their friends form part of the support networks, followed by family at 66 per cent, while 40 per cent leant on their partner.

While four in five said they exercised or played a sport on a weekly basis, more than a quarter said they aren’t in good physical health.

Walking is the most popular choice of physical activity, followed by lifting weights and running. And while more young adults reported taking up boxing, pilates and BMX riding, there was a drop in those playing Aussie rules and cricket, and a drop in those surfing and snowboarding.

Psychology student Jahanvi Tewari, 20, said it came as no surprise that young people are becoming increasingly worried about being single.

“This feeling of loneliness is definitely something the younger generations experience, probably because we’re so phone-obsessed,” Ms Tewari said.

“However, I see it in my friendship circle too. Loneliness can sometimes lead to feelings of depression and a sense of unbelonging.

“Personally, I’m comfortable being single and have a supportive, close-knit friendship circle that I value greatly.”

Psychology student Jahanvi Tewari says many younger Aussies experience loneliness. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Interestingly, 55 per cent of young people admitted to not drinking enough water (down from 59 per cent in 2023), while just over a third (36 per cent) said they eat enough healthy food.

And it when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, more than a third admit to just getting seven hours a night – with one in five getting just six hours.

The survey found three quarters admitted to being night owls as opposed to early birds, with two in three saying their phone usage at night is preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep.

Almost one in five said they had insomnia, while more than 10 per cent blamed an uncomfortable bed.

Harry King takes to music and reading to destress. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Harry King, 23, admits that stress, both from his studies and work, is often what keeps him awake at night.

“At the moment my biggest concerns are making sure I have enough time to study and work, as well as saving some time to spend with friends,” the university student said.

“Hanging out with my mates is definitely connected to my mental health status. They are supportive and they allow me to download my thoughts and feelings.

“I also spend some time in the evenings to recharge, I do this by listening to music or reading. Taking some time to enjoy my hobbies helps me look after myself mentally.”

Paying rent, concerns about future jobs and affording university loans are some of the biggest concerns for 25-year-old mechanical engineering student Arijit Das.

“I remind myself that everyone starts at a different point sometimes,” Ms Das said.

“This helps me calm down because worrying won’t lead to a solution. I can work on things as they come.”

Paying rent, future jobs and affording university are some of Arjit Das’s biggest worries. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The survey found it was not all doom and gloom with the report showing an increase in the number of young adults seeking out professional help up from 48 per cent in 2023 to 53 per cent this year.

Almost one in five (18 per cent) young Victorians were getting help, while 15 per cent in SA, 14 per cent in NSW and 11 per cent of Queenslanders.

“We’ve found more than half of Gen Zs now have spoken with a mental health professional like a therapist before to help with their mental health,” Year13 Co-Founder Will Stubley said.

“This shows how much more normal it is for young people today to be open about talking about what’s going on in their lives as a way to proactively feel better,” Mr Stubley said.

“Young people told us how having that outlet to process their feelings and learn healthy coping strategies from a professional has been a game-changer for them.”

Harry King, Jahanvi Tewari and Arjit Das share their biggest worries. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Scape’s chief executive officer Anouk Darling said: “It is really encouraging to see so many young people taking powerful steps to live their lives well and stay vigilant when it comes to mental health matters.

“The results of the 2024 Wellbeing Index are a testament to our ongoing focus on living well and reinforce our commitment to become the Earth’s Best Living Company,” Ms Darling said.

Originally published as New research shows young Aussies becoming worried about being single, grief and drugs