In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, there was a groundbreaking research study which showed shocking results about the Millennials’ mental health crisis experienced by the Australians in most of its part.
In the extensive analysis to study the Millennials’ mental health crisis, over twenty years on 27, 572 individuals between 2001 and 2020, Dr. Richard Morris, a senior research fellow at the faculty of medicine and health at Sydney university took charge.
Generation Y shows a lower quality of mental health; in fact, Millennials have been found to be significantly worse off in terms of mental wellbeing.
Their peers who were born before them especially those born in the 1990s and to some extent those whose birth dates fall within the decade preceding it, were seen to have a better mental health than them.
This fact becomes even more disconcerting as these generations experience declines that do not mitigate over time compared to other age groups.
The researchers never investigated what caused this situation directly but some assumptions came into play.
Regarding possible causes for this Millennials’ mental health crisis, Dr. Richard Morris hypothesized about certain key historical events such as turn of the millennium social changes and increases in internet connectivity by smartphones like Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat among others.
This digital evolution has indeed brought people closer together while also magnifying dilemmas like cyber bullying as well as an overwhelming exposure to distressing global events.
Additionally, following on from the global financial crisis (GFC) of 2008 and subsequent economic insecurity and rising housing prices along with an increasingly tenuous job market could be seen as additional pressures that are impacting negatively on young people’s overall well-being.
Dr Mike Musker from South Australia’s University implied that secure employment and homeownership constituted cornerstones upon which positive mental health is built, but those foundations are increasingly being eroded for many people.
Another possible factor contributing to generational anxiety is climate anxiety which encompasses enhanced awareness of environmental issues related concerns.
Professor Melissa Haswell at University of Sydney spoke about degraded landscapes and diminishing biodiversity, as well as the lingering consequences of extreme weather events that have compounded this Millennials’ mental health crisis.
Furthermore, mental health literacy could potentially be increasing according to the study.
This increased awareness may be a product of better ability to recognize and acknowledge mental illness thereby leading to an increase in the reporting of poor mental health.
Nonetheless, though many hypotheses are postulated, the authors of the research emphasised on the need for identification of root cause which will enable effective solutions.
Dr. Richard Morris stressed that understanding where this problem comes from would provide a way for intervention to occur other than just putting up short term measures.
While there are continuing demands for additional allocations towards depression treatment, it is wrong when the experts consider only presenting symptoms without getting to the bottom line.
Dr Grant Blashki from Beyond Blue compared this approach to fixing a bridge instead of simply saving people drowning in water who access your copywriting services?
Nevertheless, in spite of these troubling findings, Blashki and Morris were optimistic about future prospects.
Growth and change are highlighted with reference on human adaptive processes as well as healing and reframing experiences.
They underpin the need for supportive environments, strong social ties and improved immediate settings so that mental wellbeing receives protection.
In conclusion, on one hand conversation shifts and initiatives are gaining momentum towards understanding and addressing Millennials’ mental health crisis.
On the other hand, room is being created for hope about change happening for better as we can encourage resilience across every age group by being holistic and proactive about it.