Seven years ago, a survey revealed that 27% of people around the world viewed mental well-being as their biggest health concern.
Fast forward to today and that number has jumped to a staggering 45%, according to a recent Ipsos study.
The surge in concern is striking, especially since this reporting is also showing that mental health issues are now surpassing worries about cancer, stress, obesity and drug abuse.
In the United States alone, the trend is even greater. A whopping 50% of respondents have named mental health as their top health priority.
According to Psychology Today, professionals in the mental health sector are attesting to this rise; and they are confirming a notable increase in their workloads because the demand for their services has skyrocketed. While common mental health challenges like anxiety, stress and depression have always been part of the human experience, recent events have exacerbated these issues, leading to a surge in individuals seeking help.
In two days, we kick-off Mental Health Awareness Month and there’s no better time to dive into why so many of us are feeling the pressure when it comes to our psychological and emotional wellness. Here are a few factors to consider, highlighted by Phil Lane, MSW, LCSW, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist in private practice.
We are still recovering from the pandemic.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many people began to see mental health as a critical issue. While concerns about the coronavirus as a serious health threat have dropped from 70% in 2020 to about 6% now, worries about mental health have increased by nearly 30% during the same time.
The pandemic affected our mental well-being and sense of safety so much that we are still noticing its effects today, as shown by these survey results. It’s important to recognize how major events in society can influence our inner peace. It might have had the greatest effect on mental health of anything we’ve experienced in the last 30 years.
We are overwhelmed by the stress of everyday life.
The authors of the Ipsos survey suggest that in a world where many people are constantly concerned about issues like crime, the cost of living and unemployment, it’s not surprising that emotional challenges are becoming a hot topic right now. Concerns about money, jobs, safety, political unrest and government policies have all become common subjects in therapy sessions in recent years.
We are feeling less independent.
We are becoming more dependent on technology, and in some cases, this dependence can be a problem. When we rely on machines, we might feel like we have less control over our lives, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and sadness. Lane points out that many of his clients have shared their genuine worries that AI might take their jobs and make them unnecessary.
Rapidly advancing technology, which seems out of control, can lead to emotional difficulties.
Our young people are having a tough time.
Statistics show that young folk are facing major challenges; 72% of Gen Z report experiencing at least one time in the past year when they felt overwhelmed by stress. This situation is evident in polling data.
Since those aged 15-35 make up about a quarter of the U.S. population, the mental health struggles of young people are important and should not be overlooked.
We are putting in too many hours at work and not making enough time for rest.
The days when we could finish work and switch to our personal lives are long behind us. Nowadays, it takes real effort to set clear boundaries between work and home life and this is becoming increasingly difficult. As a result, the mixing of work and personal life is negatively affecting our mental health.
Lane warns that last year alone, the rate of work-related burnout reached a record high of 66%. And burnout can cause many mental health issues, including depression, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating and feelings of cynicism.
The Final Takeaway: Knowing Is Only Half the Battle
Lane emphasizes the importance of taking widespread concerns about mental health seriously, and it’s hard to ignore the recent polling that shows just how much awareness around psychological well-being is growing. It’s not just about recognizing that mental health is a hot topic; the reality is that external factors – like the lingering effects of the pandemic, everyday stressors and the relentless pace of technology – are significantly influencing our mental and emotional state.
Even as more people are acknowledging their mental health struggles, our services are still feeling the pinch, so, sadly, the availability and accessibility of psychological support haven’t kept up with the increase in demand. This gap provides an opportunity to explore the reasons behind the increasing mental health issues many of us are experiencing, helping us understand why these problems are so prevalent today. In turn, we can continue to implement changes that might help ease some of our anxiety.
It’s all about creating and fostering a more supportive and healthier society where individuals feel empowered to voice their struggles or ask for help, knowing they won’t be judged.
