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.
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.