Mental Health in 2023: A Look at the Current Landscape

societyofcare • August 16, 2023

When we think about the topic of mental health,

we often associate it with individual struggles, illnesses, and treatments. However, mental health also plays a significant role in our daily lives, including our workplaces, schools, and homes.

The great news is that mental health has become a more common and openly discussed topic in recent years. There is a growing focus on promoting positive mental wellbeing and addressing mental health challenges, with an abundance of attention and resources dedicated to it.

In this blog post, we’ll explore four trends in the mental health realm that we can expect to see continuing in 2023: employer mental health benefits, mental health conversations at home, prioritization of teacher mental health, and mental health education for students.

To view our visual Web Story for this blog post you can click here.
To Web Story

What Are ‘Mental Health Trends’?

A trend, by definition, is something that is popular or widely accepted during a particular time. 

When it comes to mental health, trends can look like a shift in societal understanding of things like anxiety, depression, and self-care. 

As we learn more about the complexities of mental health, certain ideas around how we can best take care of ourselves and each other become more prevalent. 

These trends can be important in terms of helping individuals seeking support and shaping public policy and resources. And as mental health affects more and more people, understanding these trends becomes especially important.

Trend #1: Employers Are Now Offering More Mental Health Services Than Ever Before 

Firstly, employers are now offering more mental health services than ever before. 

Even big business giants such as Johnson & Johnson, American Airlines, and Amazon have realized the benefits of supporting their employees’ mental health.

Providing access to mental health resources sends a message to employees that their mental and emotional well-being matters. 

It creates a supportive culture that helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health and encourages employees to seek help when they need it. With the availability of counseling or therapy, employees can gain the tools and skills needed to manage their mental health, leading to increased productivity, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. 

We can expect to see employers providing more mental health resources and benefits, such as access to counseling services, mindfulness programs, and mental health days. 

Companies will also focus on promoting mental wellness in the workplace by creating a positive and supportive culture that reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages open communication about mental health.

Trend #2: Talking About Mental Health At Home Is Becoming More Common

Secondly, the topic of mental health is becoming more commonplace at the dinner table. Mental health discussions are often reserved for therapy sessions, but this is starting to change. 

Families and friends are beginning to open up more about mental health challenges, creating a more supportive environment for those struggling with their mental wellbeing. 

This normalization of mental health conversations has the potential to decrease the stigma associated with mental health challenges, reduce feelings of isolation, and ultimately lead to more individuals feeling comfortable seeking help as needed.

However , mental health is not always an easy topic to discuss, especially within your own family. 

One way to approach the subject is to start with some basic information on what mental health is and why it’s important. From there, you can open up a dialogue about any experiences with mental health, whether it be your own or someone else’s. 

Remember to listen actively and try not to judge – everyone’s experiences with mental health are unique and valid. It may take some time, but opening up the lines of communication about mental health can be a powerful way to strengthen your family bond.

Trend #3: Teacher Mental Health Is Becoming Prioritized

Thirdly, teacher mental health is becoming more prioritized. It’s no secret that being a teacher is a challenging and demanding profession, but what may be surprising is the extent to which teachers are struggling with their mental health. 

From the pressures of curricular demands, to navigating difficult relationships with students and parents, to managing the stress of ever-changing education policies, there are countless factors that contribute to the high rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout among educators. 

This not only impacts their own mental health but also their ability to effectively teach and support their students. In recognition of this issue, schools are beginning to prioritize teacher mental health and offer resources such as counseling, mentoring, and stress management training. 

By supporting the mental wellbeing of educators, we can help to create a more supportive and thriving environment for both teachers and students.

Trend #4: Mental Health Education For Students Is Being Offered

Fourthly, mental health education for students is now being offered more. 

With so much going on in our lives, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being. That’s why mental health education is becoming increasingly important, especially for students who are expected to balance school work, extracurricular activities, and social lives. 

This new understanding of mental health education means schools are beginning to integrate it into their curriculum. 

By teaching students about mental health challenges, coping mechanisms, and strategies for seeking help, we can equip them with lifelong skills and awareness. 

This education can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, increase support for those suffering, and ultimately contribute to creating a more empathetic and understanding society.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, mental health is becoming a more prominent topic in our society, with increasing resources and awareness being dedicated to it. 

Employers are recognizing the importance of supporting their employees’ mental wellbeing, families and friends are beginning to have more open conversations about mental health, schools are prioritizing both teacher and student mental health, and mental health education is being integrated into the curriculum. 

By continuing to push for open discussions, support, and education surrounding mental health, we can create a more empathetic, informed, and supportive society that helps individuals achieve their full potential.

Join Our Mailing List

Two people sit on a brown leather couch, each looking down at their own smartphone against a plain white background.

What Teens Wish Adults Understood About Their Stress

By Ben Keller • March 19, 2026
Stress is a common part of the teenage experience. While adults may recognize that teens face challenges, the full weight of those pressures is not always easy to see from the outside. For many teens, stress is not just about one issue. It is often a combination of academic expectations, social dynamics, family responsibilities, and internal pressure to succeed.
Two lacrosse players in blue and yellow uniforms run on a turf field, holding their sticks during a game.

Helping Teens Find Balance Between Responsibilities and Downtime

By Ben Keller • March 12, 2026
Teenagers today often manage full schedules. Between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, social commitments, and family responsibilities, many teens move quickly from one obligation to the next. While being involved and active can be beneficial, it is equally important for teens to have time to rest and recharge.
Family cooking together in a kitchen, cutting vegetables and preparing food.

How Parents Can Model Healthy Stress Management

By Ben Keller • March 5, 2026
Teens learn a great deal about how to handle life’s challenges by watching the adults around them. While parents often focus on teaching coping strategies through conversation, one of the most powerful lessons happens through everyday example. The way adults respond to stress, frustration, and uncertainty can quietly shape how teens approach those same experiences.
Two adults kissing a child's cheeks; all three are smiling and close together. Neutral background.

The Role of Emotional Safety in Strong Family Relationships

By Ben Keller • February 26, 2026
Every child needs to feel safe. Physical safety is often the first thing that comes to mind, but emotional safety is just as important. Emotional safety is the feeling that you can express your thoughts, feelings, and needs without fear of shame, rejection, or harsh judgment.
Three children sitting on grass, looking at something on one child's wrist, one points.

Teaching Kids Healthy Boundaries in Relationships

By Ben Keller • February 19, 2026
Healthy boundaries are an essential part of emotional well-being. They help children understand what feels safe, respectful, and comfortable in their relationships with others. Learning about boundaries early in life builds confidence, strengthens communication skills, and supports healthy connections as children grow.
Family helps toddler ride a red bike on a dirt path; mother and father smile as they assist.

Why Small Moments of Connection Matter More Than Big Gestures

By Ben Keller • February 12, 2026
In a world that often celebrates big milestones and grand gestures, it is easy to overlook the quiet, everyday moments that shape a child’s emotional well-being. While special events and celebrations certainly have value, it is often the small, consistent moments of connection that leave the deepest and most lasting impact.
Four friends sit outside a building. One wears teal pants, others have blue shirts and a Batman tank. All smile.

Supporting Children Through Friendship Changes and Shifting Social Circles

By Ben Keller • February 5, 2026
Friendships play a powerful role in a child’s emotional world. As children grow, their social circles naturally change. Friends move away, interests shift, and group dynamics evolve. While these changes are a normal part of development, they can still feel confusing or painful for kids.
Woman and child on couch looking at a phone screen.

Why Emotional Check-Ins Matter at the Start of the Year

By Ben Keller • January 29, 2026
The beginning of a new year often brings change. Routines shift, expectations reset, and families move from one season into another. While this transition can feel hopeful, it can also bring unspoken emotions for both children and caregivers. Emotional check-ins provide a simple, meaningful way to support mental well-being during this time of adjustment.
Father reading a book to two children on a bed with gray bedding.

Small Changes That Can Make a Big Difference at Home

By Ben Keller • January 22, 2026
When families think about improving well-being at home, it can feel like change has to be big, time consuming, or difficult to matter. In reality, small adjustments often have the greatest impact. Simple, thoughtful changes can support emotional health, strengthen relationships, and create a calmer home environment over time.
Woman helping child eat at a table. Food and drinks are present.

Talking With Kids About Expectations and Pressure

By Ben Keller • January 15, 2026
Children experience pressure in many forms. It can come from school, activities, friendships, or even from their own internal desire to do things “right.” While adults may not always see this pressure, children feel it deeply. Talking openly about expectations can help children understand their feelings and feel supported rather than overwhelmed.