A Mental Health Outlook for 2025: Predictions for The Enlightened Mind
Here are the mental health trends our editors foresee gaining momentum this year.
If recent years have shown us anything about Gen Z, it’s that mental health holds significant importance for them. Despite being identified as the generation dealing most with mental health challenges, it remains a crucial aspect of their daily lives.
A survey conducted by The Enlightened Mind revealed that 63% of Gen Z individuals rated their mental health as less than good in the past month, a higher percentage compared to 52% of millennials, 49% of Gen X, and 28% of Boomers. This trend is primarily influenced by issues like sleep disturbances, feelings of loneliness, financial worries, job-related stress, and the impact of social media.
Acknowledging the broad scope of the term ‘mental health,’ we sought perspectives from various individuals to gain insights into what it truly means to them.
Female, 27, on mental health
Dealing with daily stressors in a healthy manner, accepting that not always feeling good is normal, and discovering ways to handle challenges that arise in life.
As the initial authentic “therapy generation,” Gen Z comprehends the profound impact of mental health on their overall well-being. This generation has access to mental health information from various sources, with a significant number having sought professional help.
Our Gen Z Mental Health study conducted from September to October 2024 involved 2,000 participants, including 995 from Gen Z. The study delved into how Gen Z engages with mental health content, their language preferences in discussing mental health, their mental health practices in comparison to other generations, and the topics that resonate with them.
Based on our insights and emerging trends, we have outlined the following mental health predictions for the remainder of 2025.
Mental Health Gains Prominence in Branding Strategies
“Look Good, Feel Good” has long been the underlying message in corporate branding. However, there is a shift happening as brands increasingly focus on mental health, empathy, and authenticity. Younger generations prioritize mental health, prompting companies to incorporate these values into their core business strategies.
Initiatives like Maybelline’s “Brave Together” and ASICS’ “Personal Best” demonstrate that brands across various industries are recognizing the importance of mental health discussions. Looking ahead to 2025, major brands are expected to continue normalizing conversations about mental health, fostering a sense of recognition and inclusivity for individuals.
Mental Health Perspectives from a 24-Year-Old
Mental health is often invisible, like a reservoir that can become overwhelming if not properly managed and organized.
Changing the narrative around mental health can help dismantle outdated stigmas and push brands to engage with consumers, including Gen Z, on a more relatable level rather than an unattainable ideal. Gen Z, in particular, values brands that openly address mental health, with over 50% indicating a positive perception towards such brands.
In a consumer-driven society, the future holds promise for brands that prioritize authentic connections with individuals on a personal and emotional level in the coming years.
We’re In Our ‘Social Renaissance’ Era
The concept of the third place is like a supporting character in a popular sitcom. It serves as a space where individuals relax, socialize, and connect with their friends or community outside of their home and workplace. Examples include the “Cheers” bar, Central Perk from “Friends,” or The Crown & Anchor pub in “Ted Lasso.”
However, in reality, third spaces are declining due to the rise of remote work and the closure of important community locations because of increasing rent costs.1 Additionally, many third spaces have become inaccessible as membership fees and prices for food and beverages continue to rise in line with increasing living expenses.
If you haven’t thought about your own ‘third place,’ you might need to reconsider by 2025. The decline of third spaces has led Gen Z and millennials to create their own location-independent gatherings, with no signs of slowing down in the upcoming year. Rather than solely relying on social media for online communities, Gen Zers are using it to promote their offline connections.
Non-Binary, 25, Discusses Mental Health
A mind that can handle daily stress, identify emotions and triggers, and work on self-improvement and weaknesses is not haunted by past traumas but instead has the opportunity and ability to heal, coming out stronger in challenging times.
Recently, there has been a resurgence of social clubs like run clubs, book clubs, and supper clubs with strangers. This trend reflects a desire for in-person interactions, especially after major life transitions like graduating college, moving to new cities, or starting new jobs. Making friends as an adult is indeed difficult, and these clubs provide a much-needed support system. Strava’s annual Year in Sport trend report highlighted that 58% of respondents made new friends through fitness groups in 2024.source
Despite the fact that 74% of Gen Z individuals sometimes or always feel lonely (up from 69% a year ago), it is anticipated that loneliness will be less prevalent this year.
‘Radical Stability’ Is the Real Flex
Inflation was a significant trend in 2024, but for younger generations, this issue is nothing new. The high cost of rent, expensive college tuition, and unaffordable housing have made it extremely challenging for a considerable portion of Gen Z and Millennials to transition into adulthood. As a result, 39% of Gen Z individuals believe that personal finance negatively affects their mental well-being. In light of these financial barriers that are largely beyond their control, what steps can be taken to promote financial independence?
In 2025, it is anticipated that Gen Z will respond to these challenges by embracing a radical pursuit of stability. While this may seem unexciting, it is essential to realign unrealistic career aspirations and instead focus on gradually making changes that can lead to a fulfilling life.
This shift towards stability may involve staying in a job that doesn’t necessarily ignite passion every day, starting a retirement account with long-term benefits, learning about budgeting techniques, and making prudent decisions. The encouraging news is that Gen Z is already inclined towards adopting these approaches, as 57% acknowledge that maintaining a personal budget and investment portfolio can have a positive impact on their mental health.
Additionally, 57% of Gen Z individuals believe that maintaining a personal budget and investment portfolio can positively influence their mental well-being.
Embracing the Mundane for a Balanced Life
2023 is all about embracing the ordinary and reaping its benefits. In addition to this focus on the mundane, we expect to see stronger boundaries and a more robust commitment to a healthy work-life balance. As work becomes less intertwined with personal satisfaction, the time outside of work will be dedicated to activities like fostering creativity, personal growth, and social connections. With a renewed emphasis on budgeting and financial planning, individuals will discover newfound financial freedom, making their non-working hours from 5 to 9 even more enriching.
‘Sleepmaxxing’ Dominates Our Bedtimes
Sleepmaxxing—with a significant presence of around 130 million posts on TikTok—is a popular trend focused on achieving the best night’s sleep through methods like mouth taping, magnesium supplements, tart cherry juice, nasal strips, sleeping on your back, eye masks, and binaural beats. However, these suggestions are just the beginning.
The Mental State of a 24-Year-Old Regarding Mental Health
Mental health refers to the overall stability of one’s mental state, which can be influenced by various factors such as sleep, inadequate nutrition, depression, and more.
Why is there a current emphasis on the importance of sleep? Numerous sources, including online resources and personal experiences, highlight the crucial role of sufficient sleep in achieving overall well-being. In fact, 74% of individuals have reported that getting adequate sleep has a positive impact on their mental health. Surprisingly, sleep emerged as the primary stressor for Gen Z individuals in recent surveys. Additionally, 41% of participants noted that sleep difficulties have had adverse effects on their mental well-being.
We anticipate a rise in the trend of “sleepmaxxing” in the year 2025. However, concerns regarding orthosomnia, an unhealthy fixation on attaining perfect sleep, are increasing. Therefore, instead of relying solely on quick fixes for better sleep, we advocate for a more mindful and intentional approach to address the underlying reasons for inadequate sleep.
The Concept of Beauty Gets a Makeover
Beauty and style are deeply personal aspects of life, yet we often put unnecessary pressure on ourselves to conform to an ‘ideal’ standard, often at the expense of our mental well-being. This pressure has intensified with the rise of the “Instagram face,” which promotes smaller procedures to achieve a flawlessly snatched and supposedly ageless appearance.
Looking at the broader context, the aesthetic culture has become saturated with rapidly changing micro-trends and “cores” in recent years. This constant evolution makes it challenging to establish a unique personal style when there is constant pressure to adapt to new popular looks every few weeks.
Research shows that 57% of Gen Z and young millennials are interested in exploring the link between mental health, beauty, and style.
Despite the challenges, our love for fashion and beauty persists as these elements bring joy and confidence into our lives. Studies reveal that 57% of Gen Z and young millennials are keen on learning more about how mental health, beauty, and style intersect. The key lies in striking a balance where fashion and style are enjoyable and empowering rather than overwhelming.
Positive Impact of Beauty and Style on Mental Health
Almost half of the respondents in the survey expressed that beauty and style play a significant role in improving their mental well-being. Feeling good about your appearance can boost your confidence and overall mood. The trend is shifting towards embracing individuality and dressing authentically rather than conforming to traditional standards by the year 2025.
Kids Are Out, Fur Babies Are In
Recent research indicates that our chosen family extends beyond human relationships. A Harris Poll study of 2,000 Americans revealed that Gen Z individuals spend $6,103 annually on their pets, surpassing millennials who spend $5,150. This data suggests that pets, often referred to as fur babies, hold a significant place in our lives as part of our family unit.
This aligns with our own survey findings, where 75% of pet owners expressed that buying healthy food for their pets evokes positive emotions such as happiness, confidence, or excitement. Among the subset of 829 Gen Z pet owners surveyed, 70% acknowledged that having pets had a beneficial impact on their mental well-being.
Changing Perspectives on Pet Parenthood
It’s fascinating to observe the shift in perspectives towards pet ownership. Surprisingly, 43% of Americans now express a preference for having pets over children. The younger generations, such as Gen Z and millennials, find that caring for pets is more manageable and less financially demanding. This trend is still evolving, but we anticipate that by 2025, the majority of individuals will embrace pet parenthood. The rise of pet-friendly establishments and innovative workplace policies like ‘pawternity’ leave indicate a societal shift towards viewing pet care as an essential aspect of self-care.
More Staying In Together
Since the pandemic confined us to our homes for an extended period, we have embraced a home-centric lifestyle and recognized the crucial link between our living spaces and mental well-being. While the desire for outdoor activities remains, we now appreciate the therapeutic value our homes offer in meeting various psychological needs.
A significant aspect of this shift is the increasing interest in interior design and personalizing our living spaces. Research shows that 80% of individuals reported a positive impact on their mental health after making decor changes at home, while 61% found maintaining the exterior of their homes beneficial for their well-being. Our homes have evolved into mirrors of our inner selves, emphasizing the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment to support our emotional healing journey.
Understanding Mental Health for a Young Adult
For an 18-year-old male, mental health is crucial for maintaining a sense of balance in life. It involves the ability to manage stress, form connections with others, and regulate emotions in a healthy manner. Overall, mental well-being entails feeling emotionally and mentally stable, being equipped to handle life’s difficulties, and being open to seeking support when necessary.
Furthermore, the trend of inviting individuals into our personal spaces, such as hosting dinner parties or food-centric gatherings, has seen a rise in popularity. According to recent surveys, hosting social gatherings has shown to have a 68% positive impact on mental health*. Creating a welcoming environment for friends and loved ones can further enhance this positive effect. In essence, staying in and enjoying meaningful social interactions has become the new trend, surpassing the allure of going out.
Brainrot Content Goes Mainstream
The Oxford Dictionary’s chosen word for 2024 was “brainrot,” which refers to a genre of nonsensical and absurdist internet humor. This type of content became increasingly popular in the midst of doomscrolling and constant online activity, characterized by its quirky, unconventional, and oddly comforting nature. Examples include Moo Deng, golden retriever boyfriends, and brat culture.
A survey revealed that 62% of Gen Z individuals have stated that their mental well-being influences the type of entertainment they consume.
Impact of Mental Health on Entertainment Choices
Research conducted by The Enlightened Mind reveals that 62% of Gen Zers have stated that their mental health significantly influences the type of entertainment they consume. This trend highlights a shift towards seeking content that allows for a complete disconnection from the complexities of everyday life. In today’s “unprecedented times,” individuals are gravitating towards unfiltered and genuine productions rather than polished and flawless ones. Survey results indicate that the primary motivation for Gen Z to “watch videos online” is simply to pass the time effortlessly.
The Rise of Brainrot Content
A surge in brainrot content is evident in our digital landscape. Despite any reservations, this type of content is projected to remain prevalent well into the year 2025.
Mindful Tech Replaces Relentless Overtracking
Technology has advanced significantly, providing us with various tools like fitness trackers, smartwatches, and sweat patches, enabling us to monitor our body’s activities effortlessly. Gone are the days of manually checking our pulse or counting steps; now, we have access to real-time data about our physical well-being.
Wearable technology has revolutionized the way we approach wellness, with 61% of Gen Z individuals recognizing the positive impact of using health trackers on their mental well-being. However, the continuous monitoring associated with these devices can sometimes lead to unhealthy levels of obsession.
In 2025, it is essential to shift our focus from being controlled by wearables to using them mindfully to track our achievements. It is crucial to remember the underlying purpose of using these devices. Rather than fixating on arbitrary goals or gamified objectives, the emphasis should be on staying active, feeling rejuvenated, and prioritizing overall health. Instead of solely concentrating on reaching specific milestones, the new approach is geared towards appreciating the entire wellness journey.
Young Woman, 18, Discusses Mental Well-being
Having positive self-esteem and finding joy in everyday experiences is essential for overall mental health.
Methodology
The Enlightened Mind Gen Z Mental Health Survey gathered insights from 995 Gen Z individuals regarding the factors influencing their mental well-being positively and negatively. Conducted online from September 30th to October 12th, 2024, the survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire distributed to an opt-in panel of participants sourced from a market research provider. Quotas were implemented to ensure demographic representation aligned with U.S. Census data for gender, race/ethnicity, region, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
*Base size is under 100 should only be looked at directionally.
Research and analysis by Kyle Riefenberg, Amanda Morelli, and Maria DeSio.
Finlay J, Esposito M, Kim MH, Gomez-Lopez I, Clarke P. Study on the Impact of the Closure of ‘Third Places’ on Collective Health and Wellbeing. Health & place. 2019;60:102225. doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.102225
Strava. Year in Sport Trend Report 2024.
The Harris Poll. Insights from ‘The State of Pets: Unpacking America’s Pet Preferences, October 2024.
The Enlightened Mind. ‘Brain rot’ named Oxford Word of the Year 2024.
The Webby Awards. 2025 Webby Trend Report: It’s Giving Brainrot.
