HOW DOES YOUR GENERATION IMPACT HOW YOU THINK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental health can be a difficult topic for many, and the perspectives on mental health and treatment can vary vastly along generational lines. The Boomers (born 1946-1964) were more than likely raised with the idea they should be seen and not heard, work hard, and move on. Generation X (born 1965-1980) has a similar stigma surrounding mental health. They were also taught to pull themselves up and continue to move on. Mental health was not typically discussed in homes or in school as it is today. The stigma began to shift for subsequent generations. With the explosion of the internet and social media, resources and conversations around mental health became more common. Millennials (born 1981 to 1996) benefited from this and tend to be more open to discussions and treatment for their mental health. Generation Z (born 1997-2012) are the most open to mental health discussions and assessments because they have had access to instant information, the internet, and social media from birth. This has led to higher rates of people seeking therapy and treatment.

WHY IS GEN Z USING THERAPY MORE THAN PREVIOUS GENERATIONS?

The American Psychiatric Association found Gen Z was more likely to have received treatment or gone to therapy (37%) compared to Millennials (35%), Gen X’ers (26%), and Baby Boomers (22%). ¹ The increased utilization of mental health services and seeking therapy can be attributed to:

• Awareness and accessibility.

• • • Social media apps such as Instagram and TikTok are exposing people to mental health tips, techniques, and creating community for other people experiencing similar struggles.
    • Therapy has become more accessible through telehealth and other platforms where treatment can be sought from home.

• Increasing stressors such as isolation and anxiety

• • • Global pandemic Covid 19 that changed how Gen Z learned, interacted, and socialized.
    • Increased social media use contributing to comparisons with peers, isolation, and distorted views of “normalcy.”

 

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO SUPPORT AND PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR ALL GENERATIONS?

• Start a conversation. Encourage each other to honestly discuss what you’re going through and your experiences in therapy. Talk to your kids, your parents, and your grandparents. Normalize the conversation.
• Be flexible and understanding. Understand that not everyone has had the same experiences discussing their mental health and may need a different approach.
• Share knowledge and information. Everyone can benefit from resources that may help them.
• Advocate and vote: promote and support laws and policies that increase access to services for everyone.

Everyone deserves to access mental health treatment regardless of their generation. It’s important that we support a shame-free culture where we all work together to share and encourage each other to receive therapy and treatment. Each generation has their own approach to mental health and will need their own individualized approach to treatment. There are therapists who specialize in working with certain age groups, mental health issues or life transitions. Don’t be discouraged if it’s not the right fit the first time. If you need help seeking resources that are the right fit, please reach out.

WHY SANTÉ FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH?

Santé Center for Healing provides integrity-driven, evidence-based, and personalized long-term recovery customized for those suffering from substance use disorders, mental health, trauma, problematic sexual behavior, disordered eating and other compulsive behaviors. Founded in 1996, Santé’s mission is to provide long-term recovery because left untreated, addiction is a fatal disease.  Include contact info and “follow us” info here, too.

Sources:

1. The Generational Gap in Perspectives on Mental Health | Child & Family Solutions Center. Retrieved from https://www.childandfamilysolutionscenter.com/the-generational-gap-in-perspectives-on-mental-healt/

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