At first glance, millennials seem to be one of the healthiest generations we’ve seen in a long time. After all, we’re the generation of organic, non-GMO, farmers-market finds.
But the research does paint a glimmer picture (unfortunately). Millennials and Gen Y’ers are more likely to be obese than previous generations. And we win other titles we’d rather not, like relatively high statistics of mental health disorders.
But there may be a few things the data overlooks. And those may hold the key to why millennials are poised to be one of the healthiest generations.
Undoing our parents’ mistakes
We love our parents, but let’s face it, they’ve made a lot of mistakes. And we know we’re not perfect, but we’re dealing with the world as previous generations have left it. It’s all we can do.
But in our generation, we’ve made strides to improve work culture, pay attention to chemicals we consume and attempt to get back to a simpler way of life (with social media fully intact, of course).
We’re doing our best to right the wrongs and leave the planet a better place for future generations, and that means changes on a personal and societal level.
Taking responsibility for our health
Much more than previous generations, Millennials are likely to try natural treatments and remedies for what ails them. And that overwhelmingly is a good thing.
For example, when dealing with chronic pain, a millennial may seek a natural treatment like red vein kratom instead of accepting opioid-based prescription pain medications. We’re also more likely to educate and empower ourselves on a medical condition instead of bearing the burden of education solely on our doctors (who don’t have enough time to educate us thoroughly).
De-stigmatizing mental health issues
Maybe one of the reasons why we’re seeing mental health diagnoses rise in this generation is because we’re not as afraid to get help. Unlike previous generations, we have made strides to de-stigmatize mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder and more. We realize that these aren’t things to be ashamed of, and that shame is exactly what keeps people from getting help in the first place. It’s completely counterproductive, and we’re doing our best to change destructive ways of thinking that stand in the way of positive mental health and self-image.
While the statistics may be skewed, there are many reasons why millennials are poised to be one of the healthiest generations we’ve seen in a long time.
