Mental health is nothing new. Humans have always had to deal with issues like depression, anxiety, and more. However, it only feels like a more recent phenomenon because we’re talking more about it as a society and treating these problems with more respect.
Despite that statement, there does appear to be a rise in people getting diagnosed with mental health problems in recent years. That stat isn’t necessarily bad, as it does mean that the more people with a diagnosis, the more likely they are to get treatment. Still, it’s good to know some reasons why mental health problems are more prevalent. Here’s a look at some of those reasons.
We’re Better at Diagnosing It
More people are getting diagnosed with mental health issues in the 21st century because doctors are a lot better at spotting the signs and symptoms and are also less inclined to ignore them.
The sad reality is that in the past, genuine cases of anxiety and depression were ignored or misdiagnosed. Plus, with there being a bigger focus on mental health, more people have been going to their doctors for checks. In the past, someone with symptoms may have just decided to not seek help, potentially because of the stigma that was attached to mental health.
Covid-19 and Lockdown
Collectively, society has gone through one of the most traumatic experiences globally since the second world war. The coronavirus pandemic and the fear and anxiety that it caused have played a massive part in affecting people’s mental health.
Everyone’s routine was drastically changed, and many people had to endure some difficult situations as a result of the virus. As a result, it’s clear why there’s been an increase in PTSD among non-military involved civilians.
If you’re suffering from challenging mental issues caused by the pandemic, it’s possible to change things and seek help from organisations like changefutures.org.au. Here you can get professional support that can make things a lot better.
Tech
Although blaming technology for an increase in mental health issues sounds like old-fashioned accusations, the truth is that our devices could be negatively affecting our minds.
Generations that are prevalent on social media and spend a lot of time online report more cases of anxiety than other demographics. Plus, social media has also caused a lot of people to get addicted because of how social media can trigger dopamine releases.
In addition, the blue light emitted from our devices can also mess with our sleep schedule, and a lack of sleep is also a big contributor to poor mental health. To combat this, try to limit your screen time and take more breaks. You may notice an improvement in your mood as a result.
Conclusion
You can’t definitively say what is causing more people to get mental health problems. Despite that, the suggestions offered in this article are the most backed theories, supported by data. Mental health problems are nothing to be ashamed of, and this increase can be seen as a good thing, as it shows that our doctors and nurses are taking these issues more seriously and are trying to get more people’s help and support.