A recent headline announces, “Gen Z is way, way more miserable than previous generation—and 1 in 4 are being treated for depression.”1 But why?

The answer you hear depends on who you ask.

“They spend too much time scrolling Instagram and TikTok instead of getting exercise outside,” says one.

“All those toxic and processed foods are affecting their mood,” muses another.

Someone else chimes in, “Well, look at the statistics—biblical sexuality and marriage have been totally perverted, and that’s certainly not good for them.”

Another asks, “Don’t you know the economy is up in smoke and political corruption is rampant?”

There isn’t a simple answer as to why only 44% of participants ages 18–29 were classified as “thriving” by Gallup researchers this year, the lowest score for young adults from 2008–2026, save 2020.2 The causes of gloom vary by the individual and may include all or none of the factors mentioned above, as there are many more. I’m not here to talk about which negative factor is most responsible for my generation’s plight or what possible treatments a clinically depressed Christian should or shouldn’t pursue (the study wasn’t limited to clinical depression anyway). What I want to share is a piece of hope with my fellow Gen Zers, a hope that doesn’t eliminate all worldly struggles but provides deep, unshakable peace through them: God’s children are never alone.