Young people are more tuned in to mental health than ever—but awareness alone isn’t making them feel better. Teen mental health is actually improving, while young adults are still constantly stressed, with money, the job market, and social media topping their anxiety lists. Optimism is slipping—especially for older Gen Z and Millennials—and even though “therapy speak” has gone mainstream, nearly half say opening up about their mental health actually made them feel worse. Meditation apps and mindfulness routines have plateaued, and young people are now turning toward stronger interventions like prescription medication and alternative therapies like somatic therapy and EMDR.
In YPulse’s 2026 Mental Health Report, we dive into how young consumers are feeling about their futures, what’s driving their stress and anxiety, the mental health language they’re using, what’s working (and what isn’t) when it comes to treatment, and more.
Report length: 20 pages, North America report is based on surveys of 1500 13-39-year-olds in the U.S. and Canada, fielded April 2026. Western Europe report is based on a survey of 2500 13-39-year-olds in the U.K., Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, fielded in April 2026
