One of the great things about social media is the great influx of information. In fact, there are many social media accounts dedicated to educating others and providing a wealth of resources. Since I am fairly active on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, etc., I have noticed several organizations dedicated to various topics advertising their services on such sites. However, one of the more popular themes mentioned involves mental illness and mental health awareness. While this is no doubt an outstanding movement, I couldn't help but begin to wonder exactly why organizations such as these have begun to come into prominence. So, on today's installation of Understanding Gen Z, we're going to explore how our generation has allowed a greater understanding and awareness in regards to mental health.
I've deducted two theories on why our generation specifically has supported the various movements and organizations focused on promoting mental health awareness. The first involves Generation Z directly. My first theory suggests that Generation Z is more likely to struggle with mental illness and/or mental health issues, therefore, there is more need for mental health awareness and resources regarding mental illness.
In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, "More than nine in 10 Gen Z adults (91 percent) said they have experienced at least one physical or emotional symptom because of stress, such as feeling depressed or sad (58 percent) or lacking interest, motivation or energy (55 percent). Only half of all Gen Zs feel like they do enough to manage their stress (Bethune)."
Also, "This generation is also significantly more likely (27 percent) than other generations, including millennials (15 percent) and Gen Xers (13 percent), to report their mental health as fair or poor, [a] survey found. They are also more likely (37 percent), along with millennials (35 percent), to report they have received treatment or therapy from a mental health professional, compared with 26 percent of Gen Xers, 22 percent of baby boomers, and 15 percent of older adults (Bethune)."
Now, these statistics shocked me. I became incredibly curious; why exactly are younger people more likely to report more cases of mental illness or poor mental health? Personally, I blame social media. Don't get me wrong; I think social media is a great resource. It has allowed for an increase in communication, advertising, and education.
However, social media can also lead to a sort of information overload. In cases like these, there is too much information to consume; it's simply impossible for one person to read every article or watch every video. It overwhelms us; we begin to obsess over the bad news; the problems in policy, the failures in government, and the moral dilemmas. Obviously, information overload is terrible for one's mental health. And, since Gen Z is the most active on social media, they face the brunt of this issue.
Not to mention, social media can negatively impact peoples' body images. When influencers post a picture of themselves that are photoshopped or edited, it sets completely unrealistic expectations. These expectations have the potential to be very harmful, especially for younger users. Social media can promote the idea of a "perfect" body, and this image is not only unrealistic, but dangerous as well.
Also, social media can be used to cyberbully others. Cyberbullying is especially harmful because unlike traditional bullying, which ends once the victim can escape their bully, cyberbullying is much harder to avoid. For example, in traditional situations, the victim is able to evade their bully once they leave school, sports practice, etc. However, in the case of a cyberbully, there is no "safe space." Also, cyberbullying is typically anonymous. So, the bully can easily escape any form of punishment.
My second theory as to why the mental health awareness movement has gained so much traction, especially with Generation Z, involves the stigmas around mental illness. Since the stigma around mental health has been largely reduced, I believe that people are more receptive to mental health awareness programs.
In the past 200 years, we have made great strides in medicine, especially concerning mental illness. In the 1800s, people who were thought to be mentally ill were taken to prison-like institutions. They were locked into their rooms, and often were studied, experimented on, and abused.
In 1840, a woman named Dorothea Dix committed herself to a mental hospital to study the conditions of the institutions. Facing harsh conditions, she wrote, "I admit that public peace and security are seriously endangered by the non-restraint of the maniacal insane. I consider it in the highest degree improper that they should be allowed to range the towns and country without care or guidance; but this does not justify the public in any state or community, under any circumstances or conditions, in committing the insane to prisons…”
Over the years, the treatment of the mentally ill improved, but very gradually. By the 1940s and 1950s, doctors began to experiment with various chemicals and pills that could stabilize a patient who was previously mentally unsteady. The chemical medication was proven to be successful and promoted the patient's quality of life. Prior to that, in the 1930s, doctors would often use more brutal treatments, even including lobotomies and electroshock therapy.
Beginning in the 1950s, many patients were deinstitutionalized and moved into communities where they could receive therapy and adequate medication. For the first time, people with mental illness were able to live average lives, have spouses, jobs, and family.
Now, medical professors have access to libraries full of information concerning mental illness. Unlike before, they are armed with more information and are able to humanize their patients. Instead of treating them like an experiment, they work with them rather than against them.
Past stigmas could also explain why the rates of reported mental illness were considerably lower in past generations. People who struggled with mental illness may have wanted to avoid discrimination or stereotypes associated with mental illness. Now, stigmas still exist, but they have greatly improved. Personally, I know many people who struggle with mental illness and am familiar with their stories. People who struggle with mental health issues no longer have to suffer alone and can receive the treatment they need.
I am glad to be a part of the generation that is equipped with the knowledge to help others who may be struggling around me. I am incredibly thankful for the doctors and patients who have sacrificed in order to educate future generations.
As always, thanks so much for reading this blog post. If you have absolutely any questions, feel free to reach out. I hope you enjoyed reading!
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