A staggering 43% of adults aged 18 and up are grappling with heightened anxiety according to a recent survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Among young adults, the situation is even more alarming: over 56% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials report feeling anxious, depressed, and fearful on a regular basis. This troubling trend underscores a growing mental health crisis across generations.

Why the increase in anxiety?

Major culprits include the constant confusion over conflicting news stories, extravagant influencer lifestyles, and the toxic chatter of social media. APA president Petros Levounis warns that nonstop media consumption is a recipe for mental health struggles. Therapist Elizabeth Douglas adds, “Increased exposure to curated [modified] realities has led to feelings of inadequacy and fear of missing out.”

Elvis Rosales, another mental health professional, points out that anxiety often stems from a sense of losing control, and with today’s constant uncertainty, it’s no wonder anxiety is skyrocketing. “The constant uncertainty that people are experiencing, whether related to global events, economic stressors, or health concerns, is pushing many to their emotional limits,” Rosales states.

All three mental health professionals state with unwavering certainty that adults are negatively impacted by the stress of sorting out the continual stream of information that bombards them daily.

Negative Worldview to Blame

The media isn’t the only villain; a pervasive negative worldview is arguably the biggest factor driving rising anxiety and depression. George Barna’s research reveals that only 1% of Gen Z and 2% of Millennials hold a biblical worldview. Many young adults prioritize feelings over facts, struggle to find inherent value in life, reject the existence of the biblical God, and view truth as subjective.

The result, Barna warns, is concerning. “This common set of components results in a lifestyle that is inconsistent, chaotic, frustrating, and lacking hope. Anxiety, depression, and fear are virtually inescapable in such a life.”

Scripture Has the Answer

In stark contrast, embracing a biblical worldview provides purpose, security, and peace. The American Bible Society's latest report shows that scripture-engaged Gen Z adults experience anxiety levels that are less than half of their peers.

John Plake, the chief innovation officer of the American Bible Society, found that scripture-engaged Gen Z adults are “interacting with the Bible in a way that’s shaping their choices and transforming their relationships… And instead of having anxiety levels of 7.1 on this 10-point scale, [scripture-engaged Gen Z adults] are at 3.”

We Have a Unique Opportunity

For the first time in generations, we have people who are growing concerned about the important things in life. Adults across America are beginning to cry out for help. They’re anxious, depressed, fearful, and see little hope for their future. This presents a unique opportunity for Bible believing Christians to point to the real hope that is only found in Jesus Christ.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, encourages, “This problem can be the opportunity … for those that are searching for something that they can’t find anywhere else. This could be it. This could be the door that the church has been waiting for to introduce this newest generation of adults to the word of God.”

Let’s take advantage of this opportunity and get the gospel in front of as many people as we can! Gospel tracts are ideally suited for this. Chick Publications will soon be featuring a deep discount on case lots of 1,000 tracts for half price. This is a great opportunity to order some of our most popular titles. Visit this link to see what they are: 12 Best Selling Chick Tracts.