America’s Mental Health Crisis

Introduction

Experts across America agree: we’re not alright. There’s a mental illness epidemic sweeping the nation, and it didn’t begin with COVID. But what is causing it? Studies suggest a number of reasons for the current mental health crisis, but certain modern factors prove more culpable than others.

Pop Psychology

It is true that mental health awareness is at an all-time high. More diagnoses and medications are available than ever before, and every town or city boasts at least one or two offices offering counseling services. Yet, the sentiment “too much of a good thing” may come into play where modern day psychology is concerned– specifically, the trend of internet diagnosis. Social media may lead young people to believe they have a mental illness, despite lack of a proper diagnosis. Furthermore, thanks to algorithms on apps like Instagram and TikTok, users who engage more with content relating to mental illness will see more content on their feeds relating to it– in fact, a 2017 study “showed that machine learning tools were able to successfully predict markers of depression in Instagram users’ behavior” (RT). Social media is designed to tailor content to what people want to hear and see, in order to generate maximum traffic and turn the greatest profit. Such targeted content is designed to capitalize on its users’ most vulnerable areas, and may even ultimately stop the user from seeking the help they need.

The Kids Aren’t Alright

In a series of recent surveys (2019-2020), a staggering 11.5% of people aged 12-17 reported experiencing symptoms of major depression, with only 40% of these receiving mental health care or treatment (MHA). Another study claims that modern high school students experience higher levels of anxiety than child psychiatric patients in the 1950s (APA). Is the internet entirely to blame? Psychologists don’t think so. While technology certainly plays a significant role in modern mass mental health issues, many studies also suggest other factors: rising pressures to perform socially and academically; an increasingly radical political climate; rising living costs and other financial hardships at home; increased isolation; and, of course, the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which radically and severely disrupted life for the vast majority of people, particularly young people. 

The State of the World

In the U.S., kids aren’t the only ones feeling the stress. 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for having a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life, and half of these will develop said condition by the age of 14 (MHA). Many adults don’t expect to be able to retire, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people lost loved ones in the pandemic, and others have experienced heightened isolation ever since, particularly those who are immunocompromised. The cost of living has been ever on the incline, but since 2021, the U.S. has seen inflation soar at rates not seen since the early 1980s (USIC). Many people feel overcome by a sense of hopelessness. 

The Role of Technology

Youth and adults alike share a modern dependence on technology not seen in previous generations. Technological literacy is very much necessary to function in the world today, but countless psychological studies exist condemning the effects of its overuse. Lowered social skills, self-motivation, emotional intelligence, and empathy, plus increased conflict with others, ADHD, social anxiety, and depression in younger populations are just a few consequences of what experts have dubbed ‘technology addiction’, not to mention the negative effects of lack of in-person interaction (Scott, Valley, Simecka). Combine all this with increased, sometimes constant, exposure to news of bleak current events and political propaganda, it is no wonder that generations raised on technology face greater mental health struggles than previous generations.

Conclusion

Amidst the rise in psychological issues, isolation, technological dependence, and political radicalisation, things can seem hopeless for the average American. It is important to remember that if you are struggling, you are not alone. Many people feel reluctant to seek help with their mental health due to a number of reasons, but doing so can only benefit you, in the end. As a friend of mine once wisely said, “Everyone should be in therapy.” We can only hope that, as America grows and changes, it becomes a place ever friendlier to adults and young people alike.

Sources:

Rottenberg, Sara. Pop Psych on Instagram Might Be Harming Your Mental Health: Here’s What You Should Know. Rottenberg Therapy. (2022, May 10). https://rottenbergtherapy.com/pop-psych-on-instagram-might-be-harming-your-mental-health-heres-what-you-should-know/ 

American Psychological Association. Studies show normal children today report more anxiety than child psychiatric patients in the 1950's [Press release]. (2000, December 14). https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2000/12/anxiety 

Mental Health America. The State of Mental Health in America. (2022, May 10). https://mhanational.org/issues/state-mental-health-america 

U.S. Inflation Calculator. Current US Inflation Rates: 2000-2023. CoinNews Media Group LLC. https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/inflation/current-inflation-rates/ 

Scott, D.A., Valley, B. & Simecka, B.A. Mental Health Concerns in the Digital Age. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 15, 604–613 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-016-9684-0