Gen Z Are Using Mental Health Days Most

A new survey has revealed that Gen Z is leading the way in taking mental health days, with nearly half of Americans acknowledging that stress is a major trigger for illness.

According to the survey by Talker Research for Traditional Medicinals, 49 percent of participants reported that stress directly impacts their health, but 45 percent have never taken a mental health day off from work to address it.

While feeling stressed at work is somewhat normal, sometimes it can affect your day-to-day mood, personal life or mental health. Feeling burnout could be an indicator that it’s time to ask your boss for a mental health day, according to mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

However, this seems to be easier said than done for most generations apart from those born between 1997 and 2006. The findings show that Generation Z are more likely to take action when it comes to stress management. In fact, 19 percent of participants under 18 reported taking a mental health day in the past few weeks alone.

In contrast, older generations, particularly baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), are much less likely to take time off for stress. A full 65 percent of baby boomers said they had never called in sick because of stress.

This generational divide highlights a growing recognition of mental health among younger Americans, who are increasingly proactive about addressing stress and burnout.

Stress Levels Are Peaking in 2024

The survey also revealed that stress is a constant issue for many. The average American experiences significant stress 156 days per year—approximately three times a week—often resulting in symptoms such as brain fog, headaches and trouble sleeping.

Participants are concerned about their finances (35 percent), the economy (28 percent) and physical health (25 percent).

Kristel Corson, chief marketing officer at Traditional Medicinals, emphasized the importance of addressing stress before it leads to illness.

“With cold and flu season approaching, self-care and stress management are more important than ever,” she said. “Half of those surveyed believe that stress is often the main cause of them getting sick.”

How Are Americans Coping With Stress?

To cope with stress, Americans are adopting a variety of strategies. Music is a go-to stress reliever for 47 percent of respondents, while 39 percent find comfort in watching their favorite TV shows and movies. Food also plays a role in stress management, with 17 percent of participants saying they reach for a snack and 14 percent opting for a cup of tea to unwind.

Despite these coping mechanisms, stress remains a challenge for many. A significant 71 percent of respondents believe their overall mental health would improve if they could better manage their stress. However, incorporating self-care into daily life is not always easy. Nearly half (47 percent) expressed a desire for simpler, more convenient self-care options that fit into their busy schedules.

The most commonly reported symptoms of stress include trouble sleeping (42 percent), irritability (37 percent), and fatigue (34 percent). As Americans continue to navigate these pressures, many are searching for ways to maintain their mental well-being, whether through quick stress-relief methods or long-term wellness strategies.

Over the past year, 34 percent of respondents reported spending between $1 and $50 on self-care items designed to relieve stress, including calming teas, video games or crochet materials.

Traditional approaches to stress relief, such as yoga and meditation, are also gaining traction.

“Just 37 percent of survey respondents think that trendy stress relief options are successful, while nearly half felt confident in more traditional methods like yoga, meditation, or a calming tea,” Corson said.

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans; the survey was commissioned by Traditional Medicinals and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 29 and Aug. 5, 2024.

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