Breaking Barriers: Understanding Why Millennials and Gen Z Delay Mental Health Treatment
In the lives of Millennials and Gen Z, finding and receiving mental health treatment has been a great challenge in their lives. It has only been recently that it is okay to acknowledge that one has mental health issues. I have treated hundreds of patients, and there is a trend that isn't discussed often enough. When I meet a new adult patient, they usually explain that they've had their symptoms since high school and sometimes as far back as elementary school. Why are all these patients delaying treatment for so many years? It didn't make sense initially. I researched and discovered reasons why Millennials and Gen Z take years to get treatment.
Lack of support from Parents:
In the past, mental health was often overlooked or dismissed by the older generation, including parents who adhered to the belief of "pulling up by the bootstraps." This mindset contributed to a significant gap in recognizing and addressing mental health issues in Millennial and Gen Z children during their formative years. The notion that adolescents were merely exhibiting irritability and angst dismissed as typical teenage behavior, further perpetuated the lack of intervention. Little did they know that irritability and angst are common symptoms often masked by underlying struggles with depression and anxiety. The failure to acknowledge and seek treatment for mental health challenges during this crucial developmental period had lasting implications, impacting the well-being of individuals who carried these unaddressed issues into adulthood.
Tackling Stigma in Mental Health:
Breaking the Silence - Overcoming Mental Health Stigma
There has been a significant increase in people seeking mental health treatment. Despite this, there remains a lot of stigma surrounding it. The fear of judgment and societal misconceptions often hinder individuals from openly discussing their struggles. You may consider having a mental health illness a moral failure. You worry about being called weak. Or worse, you worry about having your mental health used against you. In everyday situations, individuals with mental health conditions may face hurtful comments such as, "Did you take your meds?" "Stop being Bipolar!" or "You're crazy"—words that contribute to the pervasive labeling and "othering." It's like you have a label on your forehead stating, "I'm different." Overcoming the stigma can heal so many people.
Navigating the Mental Health System:
Navigating the mental health system poses a considerable challenge for millennials and Gen Z, often acting as a barrier to seeking timely care. I'd go as far as calling it a dumpster fire. The complexity of available treatments and a lack of clear guidance leave many individuals feeling lost with all the options. It can be so frustrating. Some people need help understanding the difference between therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatrists. Along with the nuances of various therapeutic approaches, the journey to mental well-being can be overwhelming. Additionally, the scarcity of mental health professionals exacerbates this challenge, with long waiting lists and limited availability hindering prompt access to care. The shortage of providers is one of the driving forces behind establishing my practice.
Feelings of Guilt and Self-Prioritization:
"I can't afford it." "You don't take my insurance." I understand the financial strain that comes with paying out of pocket for mental health treatment—especially for many Millennials and Gen Zers. It can feel overwhelming. But prioritizing your mental health is crucial, and there are options to make it more manageable. That's why my practice provides every client with a superbill—a detailed receipt you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. Taking care of your mental health is an investment in yourself, and I'm here to help make that process as accessible as possible. Your well-being matters!
Breaking Cultural Barriers - Embracing Mental Health Across Communities
As a first-generation Nigerian American, pursuing a career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner was a novel idea for my parents, given that mental health is not widely acknowledged in our culture. Cultural factors play a substantial role in shaping perspectives on mental health. Expressions like "In my country, we don't have depression; people here are too soft," or "Just pray" and "Be strong and focus on work" are common, reflecting a lack of understanding. Unfortunately, such responses fail to validate one's feelings, often leading individuals to conceal their mental health struggles and endure each day behind a brave facade.
Minimizing Symptoms "Other people have it worse":
Many millennials and Gen Z individuals downplay the severity of their mental health symptoms, believing they are not 'bad enough' to warrant professional intervention. I see this a lot in my practice. It's crucial to recognize that everyone experiences struggles in their own unique way, and the intensity of one person's difficulties doesn't diminish the validity of another's. Mental health is not a competition.
Empowering a Generation - Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care
By addressing stigma, simplifying navigation, tackling financial concerns, embracing cultural diversity, validating symptoms, and improving access, we pave the way for mental health healing. I am committed to breaking barriers and providing inclusive, effective mental health care for millennials and Gen Z. One final thing. It's natural to wonder how things might have been different if help had been sought earlier, but dwelling on the past doesn't help the healing process. What truly matters is that you are seeking and receiving help now, taking proactive steps toward their mental well-being, and embracing the healing journey.