Why Mental Health Feels Harder Than Ever
The conversation surrounding mental health has become more open and honest than ever. Despite the growing awareness, mental health struggles still continue to be on the rise. We’re finally talking about it, but it hasn’t made things feel any easier. In fact, there’s an increase in feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout. With more access to information and widespread awareness, the question remains – why do things seem more difficult than ever?
Mental Health Awareness Is Up, But So Are Struggles
For decades, mental health problems flew silently under the radar. Social stigma and a lack of knowledge led to confusion, shame, and isolation. Today, mental health struggles are no longer taboo. People have opened up about their problems, sharing their personal experiences and leading to real change. Therapy has become more normalized, and it’s not uncommon for discussions about mental wellbeing to spring up in work and educational environments. Through this increased awareness, it’s become easier for others to recognize their own symptoms, feel less alone, and share their stories. This progress is promising, but a troubling contradiction has emerged. Even though awareness is on the rise, so too are mental health problems.
Life stressors can contribute greatly to mental health, and our modern day is full of them. We are living through a time of information overload, highlighted by constant connectivity and rapid-fire news cycles. There is pressure to be constantly plugged in, available, and informed. Combined with economic uncertainty and financial concerns, it becomes easy to see why many may be struggling.
The Rising Mental Health Crisis in Teens & Young Adults
Awareness may be at an all-time high, but awareness alone doesn’t bring relief. Studies have shown an increase in mental health concerns, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Around the world, one in seven individuals ages 10-19 experiences a mental health disorder, with suicide being the third leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds. These numbers are sobering, with multiple reasons behind them. The increased rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and uncertainty can be attributed to:
- Social Media Addiction
- Social Media Comparison
- Lingering Impact of Covid-19
- Reduced Connection
- Academic Pressure
- Future Uncertainties
- Information Overload
- Societal Pressure
- Political Climate
If you’ve found yourself overwhelmed or anxious, know that you aren’t alone. This is a widespread sentiment, with many others sharing the same feelings. But there is more information out there than ever before on how to improve mental health, so why is it still so hard?
The Access Gap and Why Getting Help Still Feels Hard
Even with a more open dialogue in regard to mental health, getting help isn’t always easy. While access seems more available than ever, a gap remains where the system hasn’t quite caught up to the demand yet. Insurance limitations may prevent proper care, with out-of-pocket costs being unrealistic for many. Provider shortages and long waitlists can prolong care, and some smaller communities may not have any mental healthcare options at all.
Even if these roadblocks aren’t a factor for someone, there are emotional aspects to consider. People still struggle to believe their own problems are serious enough to warrant help, or feel overwhelmed on how or where to start. It’s important to know that your feelings are valid, and your mental well-being is as important as anyone else’s.
Emerging Mental Health Trends
As the world around us evolves, so do the intricacies of mental health. There are emerging trends that are both harmful and helpful.
Social Media
When it comes to mental health, social media may be considered a blessing and a curse. There is a direct connection between excessive social media use and mental health disorders. Social media creates or exacerbates insecurities through constant comparison, showing life through filters and curated images. Doomscrolling mixed with misinformation can create paranoia, anxiety, overwhelm, and depression.
For all the negative, there are positive aspects to social media, too. Social media provides a platform for people to openly share their experiences, which in turn helps others feel less alone. Professionals use social media to share important education to further inform, helping validate feelings and put a name to what someone may be feeling. As these conversations have become more mainstream, the stigma surrounding mental health has become reduced.
Functioning Struggle
More and more, people are going through life functioning, yet struggling. They may appear fine to the outside eye, but inside they are struggling with high levels of anxiety, depression, and overwhelm. This has created a type of burnout culture that is recognized but overlooked. When someone is still functioning on a high level, and keeping their struggles internal, it’s easy to look the other way.
Openness
On a positive note, the openness around mental health struggles continues to grow. More people are talking about therapy, sharing their stories, and offering their support to others. This helps others to recognize their own feelings, seeking help earlier or being inspired to share their own story. The cultural shift toward more emotional awareness can combat outdated beliefs and create more opportunities for growth and connectedness.
Even though life continues to be difficult for so many of us, there is also progress taking place. The increase of life stressors are leading to a much higher emotional load, taking an obvious toll. But increased awareness, open conversations, and earlier intervention will continue to shift and reshape how mental health is supported.
What To Do If You Are Struggling With Mental Health
If you have found yourself struggling with mental health lately, we’re here to let you know that it’s okay. Mental health is a complex subject, with many variables involved, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the next step, just start small. Talk to a trusted friend, make an appointment with a therapist, engage in activities that relax you. Don’t try to fix everything all at once – small steps are all it takes.
Mental Health Support in Colorado
Living with anxiety, depression, and burnout isn’t easy, even if you know that you’re not alone in how you feel. Awareness is an important step, but support is what creates lasting change. Compassionate therapists like those at Peak Psychological Services provide evidence-backed care that is customized to specific needs. Many offices – Peak included – now offer reasonable self-pay along with telehealth options for added convenience and expanded access. Barriers like transportation or work schedules no longer have to put a stop to the important mental health care you need. If you are ready to learn more about how Peak can help you improve your mental health, please schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to get started.
View more information on the importance of Mental Health Awareness and a variety of resources.
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