Gen Z Georgians navigate inflation, elections and protests with mental health top of mind

Young man selecting food in grocery store isle
Georgia Southern University student and Mableton resident Niles Francis examines the prices of groceries on a recent shopping trip. (Matthew Pearson/WABE)

From the COVID-19 pandemic to overseas conflict or rising inflation costs, Gen Z residents in Georgia feel they have experienced a lifetime of events in a short period of time.

This is in addition to the typical struggles in education, career and financial planning that many young people throughout the state are experiencing.

“You’re trying to figure out where you are going to live … what career you’re going to have,” said Georgia Southern University student Niles Francis. “It’s a lot to think about.”