Why are more people struggling with poor mental health than ever before?

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Society’s understanding of mental health is undoubtedly at an all-time high. However, a quick look at the statistics shows that around 20% of American adults now experience mental health problems each year. Worse still, 5% experienced serious mental health issues at that time.

While mental health continues to take center stage in both research and media coverage, the fact is that people are struggling. Acknowledging the reasons behind the increase in cases is a key step in helping people regain control. 

People continue to suffer in silence

On the one hand, cases have increased because people now recognize the symptoms of mental illness. However, it has been suggested that Americans wait up to 11 years before seeking professional support. Worse still, many feel unable to open up to their friends and family due to feelings of embarrassment. 

In other words, people appreciate that the stigma surrounding mental health has faded until it happens to them. However, suffering in silence worsens symptoms and prevents individuals from getting better. Speaking to experts like Manhattan Mental Health Counseling lifts a weight off the patient’s shoulders. Admitting the problem and seeking help is the first step to finding a treatment plan or coping mechanisms that work.

Unfortunately, professionals can only help patients who actively seek support. This is coupled with the fact that it is harder for loved ones to spot mental illnesses than physical injuries. As long as people continue to suffer for prolonged periods, even if they do get help later on, the worse things get.

Mental health is linked to physical wellness

The links between physical and mental health have been proven time and time again. An estimated 129 million live with at least one chronic condition. Understandably, the combination of pain and daily restrictions can take a toll. For many people suffering from mental health, the symptoms are at least partly attributed to physical complaints.

Modern lifestyles contribute heavily to poor physical health, too. Sedentary lives increase the risk of obesity, along with all the consequences linked to this. Moreover, respiratory health, along with muscle and bone density, can suffer. All of these physical health troubles can contribute to poor mental health. Sadly, it can prove very difficult for individuals to turn things around, especially when they are in discomfort.

Taking small steps to improve physical wellness can be beneficial for those who are struggling. However, when someone is both physically and mentally drained, motivation can be difficult to find. The longer the situation is left untreated, the more daunting those first steps can feel.

People spend too much time online

The internet is a wonderful thing. From online shopping to connecting with distant loved ones, it improves people’s lives in many ways. However, the average person now spends over six and a half hours online daily. It is far too long, and frankly, it should come as no surprise that cases have increased alongside the trend for more screen time.

Time spent online harms mental health for many reasons. The dating arena has been turned upside down in recent years. While there are certainly some positives, people who struggle for matches can suffer. The depression of rejection is a very real thing. It can also lead to social anxiety in real-life situations. It can also reduce the likelihood of approaching a date, but it can harm new friendships.

Social media is another common use for online interactions. Seeing people upload their highlights can cause people to feel inferior. It has truly warped the perceptions of a normal life, especially as the algorithms showcase people living their best lives. While it is impossible to live without the internet in modern life, time management is key. 

Money worries weigh heavily on the mind 

Stress contributes heavily to poor mental health, exacerbating a wide range of symptoms. Moreover, money worries are the most commonly cited source of stress in modern America. The connection between the two is well-documented and widely acknowledged, not least because debt is another issue that many people choose not to discuss.

In addition to the direct consequences of financial problems, there is the fact that people can’t afford help. Whether it’s speaking to an expert or getting medication to correct chemical imbalances doesn’t matter. It can leave individuals feeling trapped. Even when there are alternative solutions, most people don’t research them. Furthermore, focusing on this matter becomes difficult when basic needs such as food and housing are a concern.

Experts at USA Gov can support people facing financial hardships. While the road back to financial freedom is often long, moving in the right direction often makes a big impact. Life looks a lot brighter when the end of debt can be seen. The fact that many don’t experience this does explain a fair percentage of cases.

Loneliness

Loneliness leaves a person alone with their thoughts. This can be a bad thing, particularly when struggling with mental health. Unfortunately, social media usage and the decision to suffer in silence do feed into this. However, there are many other reasons.

People now work from home. There is also a huge knock-on effect from the pandemic that is still felt to this day. It has changed the mentality of individuals while many people missed out on key years of social development. Many people are still cautious when meeting new friends. Others are still dealing with trauma. This could include an illness caused by long-term COVID-19, job losses, or a death in the family. 

Research shows that over half of Americans have fewer than five close friends. This compares very badly to previous generations. Human interactions hold the key to happiness, while positivity is contagious, too. Therefore, it should be no surprise that a lack of real friends and increased loneliness have sparked mental health issues.

Taking the right steps

Poor mental health has become a major issue across America. However, there are resources available to help individuals struggling with mental health and looking to take the right steps forward.