In recent years, mental health issues have gained unprecedented attention worldwide. While this growing awareness is a positive step, it is accompanied by an alarming rise in the prevalence of mental health disorders. This article explores the causes behind this trend, including the roles of social media, media reporting, loneliness, and neurodiversity. Additionally, it discusses the impact of these issues and the vital role of counselling in addressing them.
The Causes of Growing Mental Health Issues
Several factors contribute to the increasing incidence of mental health problems. Understanding these causes is crucial for developing effective interventions.
1. Variety of Mental Health Conditions
Mental illness manifests in many forms, from common conditions like anxiety and depression, which affect millions globally, to less common disorders such as Capgras syndrome. Capgras syndrome, often observed in individuals with dementia or schizophrenia, causes the irrational belief that a familiar person has been replaced by an imposter .
It is estimated that around 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health condition each year in England, with numbers rising steadily. For example, the number of people with common mental health conditions increased by 20% between 1993 and 2014 . The rise in mental health issues is also reflected in the increase in suicide and self-harm rates, though some of this rise is attributed to changes in the way deaths are reported in the UK .
2. Social Media and Digital Overload
Social media has become a double-edged sword in modern society. While it offers connectivity and a platform for self-expression, it also contributes significantly to mental health issues. The constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem. The phenomenon of cyberbullying, online harassment, and the relentless comparison with others exacerbate anxiety and depression, particularly among young people.
3. Media and Negative Reporting
The media plays a critical role in shaping public perception, but its focus on negative news can have detrimental effects on mental health. Constant exposure to stories of violence, disaster, and crisis can lead to a phenomenon known as “doomscrolling,” where individuals compulsively consume negative news, fueling anxiety and a sense of helplessness. Sensationalist reporting can also contribute to the stigmatization of mental health issues, deterring individuals from seeking help.
4. Loneliness and Social Isolation
Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue, with profound implications for mental health. The breakdown of traditional social structures, such as communities and extended families, coupled with the rise of individualistic lifestyles, has led to a growing sense of isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated this issue, as social distancing measures and lockdowns led to prolonged periods of isolation, increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
5. Breakups and Relationship Struggles
Romantic relationships play a crucial role in emotional well-being. However, breakups and relationship struggles are common sources of emotional distress. The end of a relationship can lead to feelings of rejection, loneliness, and grief, which may trigger or exacerbate mental health issues like depression and anxiety. In today’s digital age, where relationships often unfold publicly on social media, the emotional impact of breakups can be even more intense.
6. The Rise of Neurodiversity
The growing recognition of neurodiversity, which includes conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, has brought attention to the unique mental health challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. While this recognition is a positive development, it also highlights the need for tailored mental health support. Neurodivergent individuals may experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to difficulties in navigating a world designed for neurotypical people.
The Most Common Mental Illnesses
Among the most prevalent mental health conditions are:
- Clinical depression: A severe form of depression characterized by persistent sadness, loss of joy, low self-esteem, loss of appetite, and sleep disturbances.
- Anxiety disorders: Involve intense, persistent worries and fears, sometimes leading to phobias and panic attacks.
- Bipolar disorder: A condition marked by extreme mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes.
- Schizophrenia: A severe long-term condition often involving psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions .
- Substance abuse disorders: Occur when the use of intoxicating substances leads to compulsive behavior and withdrawal symptoms.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Triggered by past traumatic events, leading to re-experiencing the trauma and other symptoms like depression and anxiety .
- Dementia: Involves a decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, reasoning, and thinking .
Who Is Most Affected by Mental Health Conditions?
Mental health conditions can affect anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. According to Mind, those most affected include:
- People who identify as LGBTIQ, who are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience a mental health condition.
- Black or Black British individuals, with 23% experiencing a mental health difficulty in any given week compared to 17% of white British individuals.
- Women aged 16-24, with 26% experiencing mental health issues in any given week.
- Individuals with overlapping issues such as substance use disorders, homelessness, and criminal justice system involvement, where the rate is around 40% .
Children and adolescents are also significantly affected, with the WHO reporting that 20% of this population has a mental health condition. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, with an alarming increase in internalizing symptoms among girls, which may exacerbate depression, loneliness, and anxiety .
The Role of Counselling in Addressing Mental Health Issues
Counselling and psychotherapy are vital components in the battle against mental health issues. They provide individuals with the tools and support needed to manage and overcome their challenges.
1. Providing Emotional Support
Counselling offers a safe space for individuals to express their emotions and concerns without fear of judgment. This emotional support is crucial in helping individuals process difficult experiences, such as breakups, loss, or trauma.
2. Developing Coping Strategies
Through counselling, individuals can learn effective coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), for instance, helps individuals reframe negative thoughts and develop healthier patterns of thinking.
3. Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals
Counselors play a critical role in supporting neurodivergent individuals by offering tailored approaches that address their unique needs. This might include social skills training, sensory integration strategies, or specialized therapeutic techniques designed to improve emotional regulation.
4. Reducing Stigma
Counselors and mental health professionals also contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. By normalizing the conversation around mental health and advocating for inclusive practices, they help create a more accepting society where individuals feel empowered to seek help.
Conclusion
The rise in mental health issues is a complex and multifaceted challenge that demands immediate attention. While the causes are varied, ranging from the influence of social media to the struggles associated with neurodiversity, the impacts are universally detrimental, affecting individuals, families, and societies at large. However, with concerted efforts to promote awareness, improve access to care, and address underlying factors, it is possible to mitigate this crisis and foster a healthier, more resilient global population.
Counseling plays a pivotal role in this effort, offering crucial support and guidance to those in need. By prioritizing mental well-being and creating a culture of acceptance and support, society can help individuals lead fulfilling and productive lives, regardless of the challenges they face.
References
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- Mind. (2020). Mental health facts and statistics. Online.
- NHS. (2019). Overview – Schizophrenia. Online.
- Rice-Oxley, M. (2019). Mental illness: is there really a global epidemic? The Guardian. Online.
- WHO. (2021). Mental health. Online.
- WHO. (2021). Adolescent mental health. Online.