Surviving the Anxious Generation: Negative Effects of Being Overly Productive on Your Mental Health

In today’s society, doing enough is never enough. 

This non-stop mentality has been a rising issue, especially for those in the “anxious generation” (primarily Gen Z). Students feel the need to constantly push themselves, with nothing ever feeling like it’s enough. From due dates to heavy workloads, from juggling school work and jobs (especially around times for midterms and finals), students are under immense pressure. 

Putting yourself in this position may seem like the only way to get things done, but it can be very isolating and lonely. It is important to realize when it is time to take a break and connect with others. 

In a blog post, “What Loneliness Does to the Brain: Effects on Cognitive & Mental Health,” author M. Godard explains that loneliness causes an increase in anxiety and depression, as well as declines in your physical, not just mental, health. 

When someone does not have regular social interactions, it is hard for them to receive emotional support. It makes coping with stress more of a struggle.

According to Forbes, in 2024, almost half of the American population reported feeling more anxious than they had in previous years as a result of “productive anxiety”–the anxiety that springs from the feeling of never being productive enough. 

Therefore, being a part of the “non-stop grind” can lead to a negative impact on your mental health. 

Meeting deadlines can be the leading factor in having a “good day.” Whereas making mistakes and cutting yourself some slack here and there seems to be an indicator of a “bad day” for some people.

Because of this, productivity anxiety becomes a global issue in people and students obsessed with productivity and burnout culture. 

Pitt-Greensburg recently hosted a panel on the “Anxious Generation” book by Jonathan Haidt, the 2025 selection for the Westmoreland Reads project. 

Dr. Mark Holtzman, panel member from the Hempfield Area School District, emphasized the importance of taking breaks and not constantly worrying about overdoing things. Holtzman emphasized that we have to stop and realize that one week of rest is not going to destroy our lives.

“If you’re having a bad day or even week, you can use the reputation you have already built for yourself to make it through that rough time,” Holtzman said.

Gayle Pamerleau, fellow panelist and director of counseling at Pitt-Greensburg, said that the data in the book matched her experiences in the campus counseling center. 

According to Pamerleau, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and social deprivation have been on the rise for the past 10-15 years.

“It is important to prioritize your self-care and balance it along with the other things you participate in,” Pamerleau said. 

Burnout is not a badge of honor. Protecting our mental health is what will actually help us get through the tough times, and it will be the start of a healthy, balanced future.