Unlike previous generations, millennials have grown up with the integration of technology into their everyday lives.
While older members of this generation experienced a time before internet connectivity, its availability and use evolved rapidly for them. Younger millennials were born on the cusp of the internet’s rise, even if it was still dial-up.
Consequently, this generation earned the label of “digital natives” as they didn’t have to adapt as much to technology. Home internet connectivity, smartphones, and personal computers have been natural parts of their lives.
As digital tech’s capabilities have permeated nearly every aspect of daily life, millennials have seamlessly embraced its many uses — including Mental Health Treatment.
From online therapy platforms and virtual counseling sessions to self-guided apps and digital recovery communities, technology has transformed how this generation approaches emotional well-being. Let’s examine why.
They’re Comfortable Using Digital Tools To Access Resources
When you’re used to firing up the internet to find anything, locating mental health resources isn’t a big deal. You don’t have to make an appointment with a psychologist to look up symptoms and discuss your concerns.
Social media and online communities provide platforms for connecting with others who are going through similar experiences. You can observe and join discussions anonymously, without having to schedule in-person consultations.
At the same time, digital connectivity makes finding resources like mental health rehab in Utah and local support groups a snap. Millennials have come of age where information about mental health is more accessible.
It hasn’t been limited to bringing up the subject with others during in-person conversations, which may have been considered taboo. Neither has calling a therapist in the phone book been the starting point for this generation.
The rise of mental health apps has provided millennials with access to more than research. These apps make it easier to track symptoms of mental health conditions and receive care online, marking a significant evolution in Mental Health Treatment.
Some of the care is self-guided, such as meditation. Other care is delivered by licensed counselors through an app’s platform. The access to information and care via digital tools has allowed millennials to take charge of their mental health.
They’re Openly Sharing Experiences Online
Millennials represent 22% of the U.S. population, and research indicates this generation has higher rates of anxiety, stress, and depression.
However, this generation is twice as likely to report their mental health struggles as Boomers. Therefore, the higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress could be because millennials are more willing to talk about them.
Before the digital age, discussions about mental health were more stigmatized. Experiences with depression, anxiety, and other disorders weren’t necessarily topics at the neighborhood ice cream social.
These were subjects people wanted to keep private. Furthermore, they may not have had a name or label for every disorder. It was a time when taking mental health days off from work was unheard of, or at least not admitted to, and Mental Health Treatment was often viewed as something to be kept behind closed doors.
But online communities and social media have changed this for millennials. They’re more willing to openly share their stories with others online, connecting with peers who have similar struggles.
Topics like suicidal thoughts are no longer off the table. Social media is not only a way to connect and shatter the stigma, but it’s also a way to get help. In addition, loneliness, which can exacerbate mental health conditions, is reduced through the ability to connect digitally.
They’re Redefining Mental Health Recovery as Continuous
Mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be complex. Individuals may have experienced repetitive trauma, making the management of PTSD lifelong.
The outlook for people diagnosed with the condition and who receive treatment is sobering. With treatment, approximately 30% of individuals with PTSD recover. Around 40% see improvement with treatment but continue to experience symptoms.
These are realities millennials aren’t afraid to recognize. They see mental health recovery as ongoing, sometimes with the need for lifelong support.
The support can come through social media groups, peer groups that meet online and in-person, and maintenance therapy via mental health apps. A rehab program or six months of counseling aren’t viewed as cures.
It’s much more acceptable to see mental health recovery as a journey with setbacks and non-linear progress. Because of their willingness to openly discuss mental health issues, millennials are reshaping what it means to live with a psychological disorder.
It doesn’t mean you can’t function and thrive, but it may mean you have to occasionally hit the pause button. You may also have to try different treatment options and change specific circumstances, like your job.
Millennials Are Reshaping Mental Health Treatment and Recovery
It’s widely recognized that different generations can bond over shared experiences. These experiences could be on the world stage or personal familiarity with life’s challenges.
The accessibility to information and online communities in the digital age has undoubtedly influenced millennials’ experiences with mental health. From researching symptoms to finding treatment, this generation isn’t afraid to talk about their struggles.
They want to share their journey with others who have gone through something similar. Social media has given this generation a voice and accessibility to peers beyond their immediate circles. Treatment is no longer isolated to appointments made behind closed doors.
It’s more acceptable not only to admit mental health conditions exist, but that these conditions require lifelong support. With technology as their aid, millennials are shedding light on the reality of mental health prevalence and recovery.
And that’s a benefit to all generations, as more people realize there’s no shame in seeking support and care.
