Understanding the Prevalence of Mental Illness In Today's Society

Freddy Murphy

Beyond the Blues

Mental illness affects millions of individuals worldwide, and over the recent decades, this epidemic of mental hardship has become pervasive. The rapidly increasing influence of societal pressures, such as the need for constant validation on social media, the pressure to meet unrealistic standards, and the expectation of continuous productivity, dictate our mental sovereignty and well-being. As these factors have become ubiquitous today, humanity has grown particularly susceptible to them. With the immense prominence of these pressures in our lives, mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are more common than ever. Here, at Beyond the Blues, we aspire to raise awareness regarding these mental conditions, as those of us who are not suffering ourselves must foster a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their problems. 

Some of the frequently recurring factors found to trigger mental suffering are a person's economic standpoint, relationship with drugs and alcohol, physical fitness, lack of social interaction, childhood trauma or abuse, or biological history of past family members who had mental illness themselves. From an economic standpoint, we refer to a person's financial situation, including income, employment status, and access to resources. For now, let us dive into a case of how someone's access to economic fortune may affect their mental prosperity in life. 

This chart from Our World in Data shows that regardless of someone's geographical standpoint, an overwhelmingly large percentage of people are suffering from a mental illness. A closer look at the data indicates that individuals aged 13-29 endure the most pain. And, for these persons in this age range, one is more likely to experience mental adversity coming from a country with economic misfortune, affirming that an individual's economic standpoint can influence their well-being. This conclusion is for many reasons; however, one reason for this tragedy may be the competitive nature of the world we live in today. As personal success and fulfillment are prioritized to a radical degree, people have gradually become insensitive to other's afflictions and uncontrollable misery. Civilization often neglects the differences in opportunity that people come from, and we usually take what we have for granted and focus solely on what we lack. This lack-based mindset is a gateway to episodes of depression or anxiety, as people organically develop insecurities as they aren't actively practicing gratitude. It is important to remember that mental health is equally dependent on one's social well-being as it is dependent on one's physical or emotional well-being. However, we must also acknowledge that the example illustrated above is simply an example and not a definitive factor that is the root cause of everyone's mental distress incited by their economic standpoint. As we delve into the concept of economic misfortune as a damaging component of one's happiness, it's crucial to remember that not every case of mental illness is the same. We must avoid generalizing someone's struggles and recognize that everyone's situation differs. By doing so, we can foster a culture of empathy and understanding, which is essential in supporting those who are dealing with mental health issues.

We encourage that individuals who do not have a mental condition themselves must adopt a sense of compassion and sympathy for those battling mental anguish, stress, or disorder. Upon encountering a peer in distress who seeks your advice or help, it is essential to demonstrate care, concern, and sympathy for their situation. Moreover, in some cases, it would be helpful to pursue an intervention depending on the severity of the circumstance. Therapy, support groups, and, in some cases, medication are incredibly beneficial for many individuals. Moreover, another more accessible alternative that can be equally helpful for others to conquer their mental struggles is exercise. Exercise proves to release dopamine and endorphins, natural chemicals in the brain that act as mood elevators, thus reducing anxiety and earning self-esteem, as there is a direct correlation between mental and physical health. But, like our previous example of how someone's economic standpoint can affect their mental health, not every case is the same. For example, therapy may not be the best mechanism to aid someone's mental battle, so we must encourage open dialogue and honesty to provide the most beneficial resources for our fellow people—highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity when seeking help. We all cope with uncomfortable situations differently, so understanding what path of development would be most suitable for you is crucial in the endeavor of finding mental sovereignty. So, incorporating some physical activity or honest dialogue with a therapist into your routine can benefit your mental well-being as a critical strategy for achieving better mental health on a broader scale.

Mental health needs to be discussed using a multifaceted approach that is sensitive to all situations and considers all the diverse factors that may be provoking those difficult moments. As a society, we must nurture an inclusive environment where people feel supported in their struggles. After all, it is estimated that 33% of women and 20% of men will undergo significant depression in their lives. By understanding the various causes of mental distress and acknowledging the nuances of each person's experience, we can build a safer community where people feel inspired to share stories of how they have encountered mental illness themselves. Through promoting mental health education and encouraging open dialogue, we can strive to reduce mental illness and help people find serenity and strength of mind here at Beyond the Blues.

Works Cited:

Dattani, Saloni, et al. “Mental Health.” Our World in Data, 28 Dec. 2023, ourworldindata.org/mental-health#all-charts.