The Mental Health Revolution
The Mental Health Revolution
By Mo Hasan
Our preoccupation with meditation, social media detoxes and all things self-care is part of the mental health revolution. The pendulum has swung from the denial of depression to a culture of “oversharing” and embracing vulnerability. However, suicides are at a record high and remain the leading cause of death, in Western nations, among men under the age of 40.
The term mental health still has a stigma attached to it. The growing number of celebrities, politicians and even athletes speaking up about their experiences is helpful. However, we still don’t have the skills nor the infrastructure to support those suffering when they need it most.
Digital platforms such as YouTube and Instagram are both the antidote and poison chalice for our mental health. Instructional videos and online forums are useful tools for addressing mental health challenges. However, the same platforms arguably contribute to feelings of relative deprivation, body dysmorphia and promote unrealistic standards of success.
Advice on mental in the digital age:
Therapists such as Esther Perel have skyrocketed in popularity. Her TED talk on ‘rethinking infidelity’ alongside Breneé Brown’s multiple videos on embracing vulnerability remains a resource for millions of people. The trend towards self-help is forcing us to re-examine every facet of our lives particularly our relationships with others and ourselves.
Psychologist, Dr. Julie Smith, has reached millions through her addictive TikTok videos, which provide practical advice and perspectives on a range of issues such as anxiety and grief. Her 60 second clips have generated a following of 3 million people. She also addresses “lighter subjects” such as: Bragging on social media, handling break ups and disappointment.
The advent of online counselling services such as Better Help is partly due to an effective marketing campaign led by persistent “influencers” who remind us about the importance of therapy in all of their videos. However, the affordability and on-demand element of receiving therapy without having to leave your bedroom is the biggest draw. This is particularly important as we’ve had government-imposed lockdowns – force us to develop new routines – the traditional coping mechanisms of retail therapy, eating out and going to the gym have been stripped away.
Tools to help us relax have been democratised by making them accessible to everyone, but “meditation” was always “free” - there was never a need for an app – the monetisation of these ancient practices can seem insidious. However, apps like Headspace have changed the perception of meditation amongst uptight type-A individuals whose idea of relaxing is to make a to-do list.
Our Biggest Challenge: Supporting people when they need it most
Mental health charities such as the Samaritans need to adapt their services. Young people no longer use helplines – they send voicenotes and text messages – and to turn to social media for reassurance that they’re not alone.
Corporate culture is slowly softening its stance on panic attacks and anxiety. Line Managers are parroting the words “my door is always open” and more people are volunteering themselves to become mental health first aiders. However, we are still unable to provide professional help to those who are struggling. Managers often don’t have life experience or skills to adequately support someone that is suicidal or very depressed.
We also underestimate the burden of listening to other people’s problems, which can have a detrimental impact on people’s performance and morale.
We need to invest in trained therapists. We need to create anonymous online forums where people can vent and flag where they’re struggling. We need to provide access to mental health services, which are free at the point of use.
We are making up for lost time, which is a beautiful thing. Just make sure you can hear those whispering for help over the loud cheers for change.
