It’s no secret that mental illness cases have been on the rise over the last several years. There are several contributing factors to why this is. Here are eight top reasons why we’re continuing to see the rates climb.
Negative experiences on social media, financial stress, increasingly violent content (games, movies, etc), pressure to “keep up”, anxiety to discover/fulfill one’s purpose, public media (the news), more cases are reported than in the past, the COVID-19 global pandemic and terrorism/world violence.
While these are legitimate reasons why mental illness is on the rise, causes such as brain damage and genetic makeup can play a role in the development of mental health issues as well. In this article we’ll discuss each of the eight top reasons along with top questions relating to their rise.
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Negative Experiences on Social Media
Social media is an amazing tool that helps us connect to our friends and family. It’s also becoming one of the leading methods of advertisement in the industry.
Between celebrity and influencer endorsements and people showing off their luxurious homes, vacations and closets, it’s easy to get caught up in the glamour of it..
Unfortunately, people are constantly comparing themselves to the picture perfect lives that are portrayed online.
Standards for appearance and lifestyle are not shy about suggesting what everyone should be striving for and what you should look like.
It’s like the “cliquiest” high school ever. In our pockets. Accessible any time.
The issue is that when we do not set boundaries for ourselves, it’s easy to get sucked into the glamourous hype of it all.
Seriously, unfollow, unlike, unplug! Your peace of mind and mental well-being demand it.
Financial Stress
Financial stress is one of the most intense forms of stress. Worrying about “money problems” has ripped families, marriages and friends apart.
Even if you’re not struggling with money issued within your family, worrying about how you’re going to pay your bills is just as anxiety inducing on your own.
Increasingly Violent Content (games, movies, etc)
While it’s good to have some exposure and experience in dangerous, gruesome or unnerving situations in real life, unnecessary exposure through games, movies or shows can lead to serious mental health issues.
Results will vary depending on the individual. Some people will not be effected by violent materials they consume while others will.
Certain forms of violent entertainment can be traumatizing to children and young adults when experiencing it for the first time.
It may induce a sense of shock and anxiety. They may develop sleep issues and could eventually develop other mental health issues such as depression as a result.
Pressure to “keep up” with Everyone Else
Social media influence, pressure from parents, peers or coworkers. These are just a few examples of where daily pressure may from whether self-induced or not.
Society’s standards come from many people and situations in our lives. Personally, I’ve heard a lot of women around the age of 30 complain that they feel “behind” in life. This is because they are not married or have children yet.
It’s obvious that roles and priorities are changing now that most women work full-time instead of marrying early and raising children. However, people are still feeling general pressures about where they should be in life by certain ages.
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Anxiety to discover/fulfill one’s purpose
Some people know what they’re passionate about, what fulfills them or what their life’s purpose is. Some people don’t but want to and some people don’t care about fulfillment and passion at all.
There are also people who might go through life unware of any of that.
For those of us who have experienced that moment where we realize just how important and fragile life is, often panic, anxiety and even depression may set it.
If you’re not experiencing fulfillment and you want to, it can be dauting to try to figure out what that is for you and how to achieve it.
Discovering your passion and going after it full force is difficult but so rewarding! If you have the courage to go there, you’ll discover abilities you never knew you had.
It will also change your mindset in the process and often will eliminate anxiety and depression along the way!
If you’re experiencing anxiety and depression and are determined to find fulfillment, speaking to a professional counselor will not only treat your mental struggles, but will expedite progress toward your goals.
Public Media (the news)
You’re heard the old saying “no news is good news” and for good reason.
Unfortunately, most news we hear is all about reported crimes, global warming, deforestation, pollution, kidnappings, rape, murder, natural disasters and more.
For a while now, constant intake of negative material (news) has contributed to generations of stress induced, anxious and depressed individuals.
People aren’t as ashamed to get help so we’re aware of more cases
Mental health is becoming more and more openly discussed these days. Until relatively recently, there have not been as many cases, studies or various examples to go off of. We’re discovering more about mental health cases all the time.
The rise of mental health cases is legitimate considering the other variables discussed in this article, however, more and more people are coming forward to seek help. Naturally, this drives the number of cases.
We’re simply more aware and willing to approach the topic now more than ever. People used to be afraid to be labeled as “crazy” but now that we are aware of the various (common) mental health struggles, the pressure to keep mental health struggles to ourselves has been lifted.
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The COVID-19 Global Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has effected people in a variety of ways. Mental health issues have risen due to the pandemic.
More people are experiencing job loss, uncertainty, health issues, abrupt changes, the loss of loved ones and more. A variety of mental illnesses, particularly anxiety and depression have risen as a result.
It’s important to take advantage of any resources that are available to fortify yourself during these uncertain times. For more on mental and emotional health examples, check out this article.
Terrorism/World Violence
The ongoing issue of terrorism, war and hate crimes all over the world is enough to depress nearly anyone.
If you turn on the news or search online for what is happening all over the world, you’re sure to find several shocking and disturbing events.
Thinking about how unavailable world peace may be can cause many to develop dear, anxiety and depression. Especially those who’s livelihood depends on reporting or being involved in the research and education of events such as these.
Why should you be concerned about mental illness?
People should be aware and somewhat concerned about mental illness in order to be aware of the causes and what makes certain mental illnesses worse.
By concerning ourselves with it, we can prevent mental illnesses from happening with proper treatment. Appropriate lifestyle changes to support out mental and emotional well-being will go a long way as well.
Why do some people develop mental illnesses?
Some people developed a mental illness depending on previous conditions. Trauma from experiences such as abuse, a near death experience or brain injury can cause mental illness to develop.
Environmental, genetic and biological factors may all play a role in determining if someone will develop a mental illness or not as well.
A mental illness may develop over time due to a previous condition or experience. It may also develop in adulthood due to poor brain function or unhealthy/harmful habits. The healthier your body is the better of your mind will be.
Lifestyle changes such as a proper diet and exercise can prevent mental illnesses. These may include such as anxiety, depression or a personality disorder from developing simply based on the individual’s commitment to health and how their brain generally “operates”.
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