Many Gen Zers deal with higher rates of mental health challenges and firearm suicides, according to a new report

Hines recalled receiving an unexpected text message from his brother, saying, “I’m sorry, I love you.” At the time, he believed it was intended for someone else. After his brother’s death, Hines experienced anger, guilt and depression — leading him to contemplate suicide himself in 2018.

“I looked up something online — Ironically, how to die without pain,” Hines said. “Something that popped up immediately was to give yourself three days.”

Those three days saved his life.

With the support of therapy and a strong foundation of faith, Hines overcame his depression. He then started My Brother’s Keeper Cares. As president and founder of the organization, Hines focuses on promoting mental health and suicide prevention. Through faith initiatives, community collaborations, art therapy, mentorship, education, fitness programs, and counseling, MBK Cares works to empower youth mental wellness and build stronger communities.

The need for such efforts is evident. A December report by Project Unloaded titled “Triggering,” cites a rise in gun suicides among youth.

The report notes that 45% of Gen Z respondents live in homes with firearms, and 30% have experienced gun violence. Mental health also ranked high among concerns for Gen Z, with 45% of those surveyed worrying about their mental health, and 55% among those who have experienced gun violence. Additionally, more than one-third of surveyed Gen Z women and girls say they’re likely to obtain a gun in the future.

Desmond Patton, the Brian and Randi Schwartz University Professor and Director, SAFELab at the University of Pennsylvania, believes more young people are speaking openly about mental health, especially on social media. “I’ve been a researcher for almost 15 years now, and I think the biggest jump has been the willingness to even talk and be vulnerable about mental health,” Patton said. “I think social media plays a role in one’s ability to communicate, but also tells us that young people feel comfortable talking to a digital space, more so than talking to, for example, a clinician.”