Why Does Mental Health Feel More Difficult Than Ever?
Mental health conversations have gone mainstream, talked about more openly and honestly than we’ve seen. Despite the growing awareness, things still seem really hard for many of us. Talking about it has many benefits, but the fact remains that anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout are still on the rise. With more information flowing and an increased understanding surrounding mental health, why do things seem more difficult than ever?
Mental Health Awareness Is Up, But So Are Struggles
Mental health issues were long considered taboo as people suffered in silence. A lack of knowledge created a social stigma that led to shame and confusion. Over the last several years, that has changed as more people open up publicly about their problems. As personal experiences are shared, it invites others to add their own story to the conversation. The more we talk about it, the more others may recognize themselves in others. This has created a more realistic view of mental health, normalized therapy, and brought the importance of mental health into places of work and education. Despite the forward momentum, a troubling paradox has begun to take shape as mental health problems continue to rise.
There are many variables to consider when it comes to mental health, but the stressors of life play a large role. These days, we spend our days plugged in to a source of constant communication, information, and comparison. We’re pressured to be available, informed, and aware. The news cycle seems to refresh as soon as we’ve caught up, and economic uncertainty is at an all-time high. With all of that at play, it’s easy to see why so many people are struggling.
The Rising Mental Health Crisis in Teens & Young Adults
Awareness is important, but that alone doesn’t bring a solution. There is an alarming pattern of an increase in mental health concerns among teenagers and young adults. One in seven individuals 10-19 experience a mental health disorder, with suicide being the third leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. These numbers are troubling, and likely attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- 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 been feeling overwhelmed or more anxious than usual, you’re not alone. Many others have been feeling the same way. We are in a place where more information is accessible on how to combat mental health problems, so why does it all still feel so hard?
The Access Gap and Why Getting Help Still Feels Hard
Open dialogue or not, seeking out help for mental health doesn’t always feel so easy. Access to mental health services has improved, but there is a gap where the system is still trying to catch up to demand. Barriers include insurance limitations, high costs, provider shortages, and long waitlists. Some smaller communities may have no options available for mental healthcare at all. Beyond systemic limitations, emotional barriers also exist. Even while recognizing an issue, it’s easy to tell yourself that your problems aren’t serious enough to ask for help. Maybe you’re overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. It’s important to know that how you’re feeling is common, but that your wellbeing is a priority.
Emerging Mental Health Trends
As the realities of mental health continue to evolve, certain trends are emerging that can be both helpful and harmful.
Social Media
Social media is a double-edged sword, full of both help and harm. There is a direct connection between excessive social media use and mental health disorders. The life of others gets presented to us in a curated way, full of filters and highlight reels. This comparison creates insecurity and frustration. Endless scrolling can lower motivation and increase anxiety, and misinformation can make the world seem confusing and uncertain.
The positive side of social media comes from its sense of community. It has become a platform where people openly share their experiences, helping others put a name to what they are going through. It’s a great way to spread education, resources, and tips for mental health. These conversations have played a large role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and helping people feel less alone.
High-Functioning Struggle
There has been an increase in people who live with high-functioning anxiety. To the outside eye, they appear to be doing great, but inside they are overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. This has perpetuated a culture of burnout, with many people successfully going through the motions while keeping their mental health struggles to themselves.
Openness
Not all trends come with caveats. An overwhelmingly positive change is the increasing openness that continues to grow around mental health discussions. People are sharing their stories, talking about therapy, and offering support to others. These conversations help others recognize how they are feeling and can lead to finding support sooner rather than later. As society continues to shift toward more emotional awareness, outdated beliefs will continue to fade away.
There’s no denying that life feels very hard for many of us at the moment, but progress continues to take place. The stress of modern life continues to take a toll, but increased awareness, open conversations, and earlier intervention can continue to help shift how mental health is supported.
What To Do If You Are Struggling With Mental Health
If you’re struggling with your mental health, you don’t have to handle it on your own. If you feel overwhelmed with how to help, just start small.
- Reach out to a friend or family member
- Make an appointment with a therapist
- Set boundaries
- Make time for relaxing activities
- Eliminate unnecessary stressors
Mental Health Support in Texas
Mental health can be difficult to navigate, even knowing that you’re not alone in how you feel. Awareness is important, but proper support is what you need to create lasting change. Compassionate therapists like those at Sillon Wellness can provide evidence-backed care customized to your specific needs. Many offices, including Sillon, have adapted to modern needs in order to expand access. We accept multiple insurance options and offer self-pay. Transportation and scheduling conflicts can be remedied through the convenience of teletherapy appointments. Life will always be full of stress, but your mind doesn’t have to be. If you are ready to learn more about how Sillon Wellness can help you improve your mental health, please reach out. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to get started.
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