Gen Z is experiencing mental health challenges and chronic disease at higher rates than other age groups, according to a new report from Sun Life.
The report, which analyzed data from more than 20,000 employers and 3 million plan members, found that more than 50% of Gen Z’s long-term disability claims are for mental health disorders, compared with about 40% for the overall population. Gen Z, which includes those born between 1997 and 2012, is expected to dominate Canada’s workforce by 2030.
Mental health antidepressant drug claims among Gen Z grew twice as fast as those of all plan members between 2021 and 2024. Use of antidepressants among Gen Z men rose by more than 50% over that period, outpacing growth among Gen Z women.
For Gen Z women, mental health disorders account for more than 60% of their long-term disability claims. They also use mental health therapy at twice the rate of men.
Despite facing greater challenges, more Gen Z men are seeking help than before. Growth in visits to psychologists among Gen Z men outpaced that of Gen Z women and rose almost twice as fast as for overall plan members.
“Supporting Gen Z is essential for building resilient businesses and a stronger future for Canadians,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, senior vice-president of Sun Life Health. “This generation is coming of age in a world shaped by economic uncertainty, climate anxiety, and digital overload, and it’s clear that they need more than just a paycheque.”
The report also revealed concerning trends in chronic disease. Claims for drugs treating asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are growing two to three times faster among Gen Z employees than among other age groups.
Claims for diabetes drugs rose two to four times faster among those under 30 than among those aged 30 to 60. Among Gen Z, diabetes drug claims for women are growing 40% faster than for men.
Sun Life attributes the rise in chronic conditions to factors including increasing obesity rates, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets. While chronic disease remains less common among Gen Z employees than among older cohorts, the data suggests that by the time today’s Gen Z workers reach middle age, incidence rates could be significantly higher than current levels among those aged 40 to 59.
“Canadians deserve health solutions that fit their real lives,” Côté said. “We’re giving them practical tools to support every stage of life, because nothing matters more than protecting your health.”
