Does Society's Hyper-Focus on Mental Health Cause More Harm Than Good?
In recent years, more awareness has been raised on issues regarding mental health. Individuals are now more open and honest about their struggles, as influencers pay testament to their own. While most find this newfound societal awareness to the ins and outs of mental illness to be helpful and refreshing, others wonder if we’ve perhaps
gone a step too far.
In an article titled Increasing Mental Health Awareness: Too Much of a Good Thing?, the author relays an open letter in the LA Times,written by Physician H. Gilbert, in which he questions whether we’ve gone too far with our mental health diagnosis. The physician discussed the influx of cases known as “subclinical”, where a patient who is not properly assessed either is diagnosed by a family doctor or diagnoses themselves.
True mental health is often hard for doctors (who do not specialize in it) to distinguish, as symptoms are often self reported.
Often times doctors revert straight to medication when mental health is brought up by a patient. Today 1 in 5 adults are reported to be taking mental health related medication.
Mental health is often something discussed within and about our teenage age group, especially in education. In fact, our teachers here at Licking Valley are planning on doing a mental health seminar this Friday, October 19th.
In an article in Psychology today titled The Alarming Rise in Teen Mental Illness , the author discusses the sudden influx of mental illness among the youth, and the possible contributors. She, of course, believes that smartphones and the internet are to blame. Other factors include extreme stress in school and worsening economic situations in families.
This viewpoint has both strengths and weaknesses.Undoubtedly, the influence of media has contributed to the seemingly rapid decline of our society’s mental health, though mental health issues have always been a problem.
Media has certainly contributed to the widespread awareness of mental health. On a positive end, increased awareness creates less stigma and gets some the help they desperately need. On the negative, increased discussion of mental health may lead people to overthink normal behaviors and take medication for which they aren’t in need.
Antidepressants have several side effects, including increased tiredness, nausea, anxiety, and weight gain. These side effects may increase feelings of losing control and isolation, thus making a problem snowball. Some research also suggests that the only real benefit of these medications is the “placebo effect”.
Other, less dangerous, treatments for increased feelings of grief and anxiety are counseling, herbal supplements, and simply talking to a trusted friend or family member.
To conclude, the heightened awareness for mental health can be good and bad. Seeking proper help, as opposed to self diagnosing or taking unneeded medication, is very important. Linked are some online resources if you think you or someone you love is struggling with mental illness.