Over the past few decades, our society’s perception of mental health has undergone a significant transformation. The millennials, aided by social media and rapidly advancing technology, have been at the forefront of this change. However, it wasn’t always like this. During the formative years of Generation X, mental health was often stigmatized, and personal issues were usually kept private. There was a prevailing belief that addressing them openly was inappropriate in a professional setting.
The rise of the millennial and Gen Z generations has brought about a greater awareness of the challenges related to mental health. This has led to a more compassionate and unified environment where people are motivated to share their struggles, seek assistance, and support each other in their mental health journeys.
Beyond merely discussing their mental well-being, millennials actively seek emotional support, distinguishing them from older generations like Baby Boomers and Generation X. This article explores the unique relationship between millennials and therapy, shedding light on why this generation is altering the landscape of mental health discussions and treatments.
Who are the Millennials?
Millennials are a demographic cohort, or age group, that falls between Gen X and Gen Z. Anyone born between 1981 and 1996 is considered a Millennial, and anyone born from 1997 onward is part of a new generation. This tech-savvy generation is distinct from Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012. They’re called Millennials because the oldest members of this generation became adults at the turn of the millennium.
Unlike previous generations, Millennials have been advocating for mental health awareness and destigmatization. They have played a crucial part in dismantling barriers and initiating open conversations about mental well-being.
Millennials prioritize integrating personal and professional lives, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and the overall well-being of individuals. They actively seek out support and resources to address mental health challenges.
Through their advocacy and willingness to challenge stigma, Millennials have played a crucial role in reshaping workplace conversations and policies regarding mental health. Their efforts contribute to the ongoing progress of fostering inclusive mental health support systems in the modern world.
What is the Millennial perspective on Mental Health?
Millennials play a crucial role in changing societal perspectives towards mental health by promoting candid discussions and breaking down stigmas. With the help of social media platforms and online chatrooms, many feel more comfortable discussing their mental health issues, as it allows them to maintain anonymity and distance, making it easier to share intimate details.Many millennials are becoming increasingly aware of the declining state of their mental health. According to a 2019 report by Blue Cross Blue Shield, millennials experience a faster decline of both their physical and mental health as they age, compared to Gen X. The report warns that without proper management or treatment, millennials may face a 40% higher mortality rate than Gen Xers of the same age.
Behavioral Crisis
A rise in rates of depression, hyperactivity (such as anxiety or ADHD), and substance abuse — is a critical factor in the “health shock” among millennials, according to the Blue Cross Blue report. The World Health Organization defines health shocks as “unpredictable illnesses that diminish health status.”The government has been documenting health shocks in terms of mortality since 1960. The situation is comparable to the effects the Vietnam War and recreational drug use had on the Silent Generation and the effect the AIDS epidemic had on boomers, the report said.
The Affordability crisis
Financial burdens and lack of social support may explain why depression is on the rise among millennials. They’ve seen a 47% increase in major depression since 2013; however, one in five don’t seek treatment — unfortunately, because they can’t afford it.
The Burnout and Mental Health
Millennials also feel that their jobs have an outsize role in their overall mental health. With longer work hours and stagnant wages, millennials suffer from higher rates of burnout than other generations. Many of them have even quit their jobs for mental health reasons.
Mental Health Challenges for Millenials
While millennials are pioneers in seeking mental health treatment, it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges this generation faces.
One in five millennials diagnosed with major depression does not seek treatment, potentially due to the high costs of healthcare, even though millennials are more likely than previous generations to attend therapy, as reported by Blue Cross.
Healthcare is one of four essential costs plaguing millennials. In 1960, the average annual health insurance cost per person was $146 — in 2016, it hit $10,345. When adjusted for inflation, that’s a ninefold increase. Fees are expected to increase to $14,944 in 2023.Hard to say, but more millennials than baby boomers have declined medical or dental treatment because it was too costly, according to an Insider and Morning Consult survey.
What’s the Millennial’s Approach to Psychotherapy?
Unlike their predecessors, the millennial generation has a distinct outlook on mental health. While baby boomers lead a peaceful life, millennials struggle to be content with their situations and constantly seek therapy, mentoring, or consultation to help them maintain a healthy mind.
This overthinking and uncertainty about their choices have made them seek guidance to move successfully in life. A 2015 study found that older millennials were exposed to mental health conditions at home such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders during their upbringing, due to their older family members. This exposure has made them more accepting of individuals with mental illnesses.
Even though many young adults do not have health insurance or cannot afford professional mental healthcare, they are more likely than previous generations to seek counseling. This is partly due to growing up with the idea that mental health is normal, on a spectrum, and should be talked about. As a result, millennials have been dubbed the ‘therapy generation’ and are strong advocates for open discussions, destigmatization, and inclusive policies surrounding mental health.
Avesta Ketamine for Millennials
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