There are several ways to define the ‘10s decade, including the change and progress that our society has made in relation to mental illness. Although we have not achieved a stigma-free culture, mental health is more comfortably discussed than it was ten years ago. At the beginning of the decade, words such as “anxiety” and “depression” were considered taboo. The shift towards a society that emphasizes mental wellbeing is seen through the following changes:
- The prevalence of mental health disorders has risen
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Most people are aware that the incidence of mental illness has increased in the past decade. In fact, the number of college students receiving treatment has grown by 35% in this time. Many researchers are questioning whether this increase is related to an external factor such as social media usage or if it is simply due to greater accessibility to treatment and less stigma.
- Social media fosters communities for those struggling with mental health
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We often hear about the downsides to social media when it comes to mental health, such as greater isolation and harmful comparison to others. However, the internet has also allowed for people who suffer from mental health disorders to establish a sense of community through platforms such as blogs and videos. Resources for suicide prevention and crisis support are also accessible online and can assist those who have trouble speaking about their illness. Even Siri (voice control on iPhones) is being programmed with responses to statements such as “I want to kill myself” in order to help users.
- There are more references to mental illness in pop culture
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TV shows and movies have joined the progress by depicting therapy as a part of daily life rather than the bizarre event it was once shown as. For instance, the release of the TV series 13 Reasons Why in 2017 opened up dialogue around suicide, but it also received criticism for the graphic detail and glamorized depiction of mental illness.
- Celebrities have begun to share their mental struggles
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Using their role as highly respected and carefully watched figures, celebrities have begun to open up about their personal battles. For example, Adele declared that she would not go on tour again due to her severe anxiety in 2017. Chyler Leigh (Grey’s Anatomy star), Demi Lovato and Kevin Love have also made impacts in this realm. Not only does this spread awareness, but their stories go to show that mental health is something that can affect people of all socioeconomic statuses.
- There is greater awareness in political and professional realms
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As a result of greater education and training on the topic, medical physicians are better equipped to recognize mental illnesses than they were at the start of the decade and are more likely to discuss mental health with the same urgency as physical health. Additionally, mental health professionals are now more commonly integrated in school systems and workplaces. Finally, the political sphere has been impacted by increased concern over mental wellness as the Affordable Care Act established equality for people with mental illnesses through increased insurance coverage.
From 2010 to 2019, we have made immense progress in destigmatizing mental illness as a result of social, political and medical changes. In the next ten years, there is still change that needs to happen in order for more people to have access to mental health care, which is becoming increasingly difficult due to the high demand for services. By 2030, hopefully we will be able to speak about mental health as easily as physical health.