Challenging Stigma: The Path Forward for Mental Wellness
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Amid the throes of the pandemic, mental health issues reached alarming proportions across America. Isolation and stress left an indelible mark on the nation's collective well-being, hitting the youngest generations particularly hard.
According to the "US Wellness Industry Outlook 2023" report by Redwood Advisors, high school students bore a significant brunt of this crisis, with a staggering 42% reporting persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that disrupted their daily lives for at least two weeks. Shockingly, teenage girls were even more severely affected, with nearly 60% experiencing prolonged sadness, a substantial increase from 37% in 2011.
While various factors have been implicated in the surge of teen anxiety, some researchers have pointed to the rise of social media platforms like Instagram. Yet, regardless of the underlying causes, the reality is stark—youth today are more inclined than ever to seek emotional support and mental well-being.
One encouraging trend highlighted in the report is the declining stigma surrounding mental health issues, especially among younger generations. Gen Z, in particular, is readily acknowledging depression as a health concern. The openness of celebrities and athletes about their mental health struggles has played a crucial role in setting a positive example for their younger fans. This growing acceptance of the importance of mental health, positions the $14 billion mental wellness market for substantial growth.
Teletherapy, once met with skepticism when compared to traditional in-person appointments, has emerged as a vital component of addressing the mental health crisis. According to the report, an overwhelming 96% of psychologists believe in the effectiveness of teletherapy, with 97% advocating for its continued use post-pandemic. The advantages of teletherapy are evident, as it enables therapists and patients to expand their reach geographically and eliminate the hassles of commuting. Even with pandemic restrictions easing, the telehealth sector recorded a commendable 7% growth in 2022. Pioneering platforms like BetterHelp, which recently crossed the $1 billion revenue milestone, have capitalized on this trend by offering affordable and streamlined online therapeutic services.
While teletherapy has succeeded in cutting some costs, many mental health startups are now focusing on further digitizing the patient experience and reducing reliance on licensed clinicians. These companies are tapping into a new trend of mental health "coaches," many of whom lack formal medical or psychological training but can provide much-needed support. Utilizing instant messaging, platforms such as BetterHelp and Talkspace have enabled mental health support around the clock, reducing the need for strictly scheduled, time-constrained appointments. However, this approach is not without controversy, as it often involves low-wage employment. Nevertheless, these digital therapy platforms are fulfilling a crucial role by offering affordable, science-based services to individuals who might otherwise be excluded from traditional therapeutic avenues that often don't accept insurance and cater to higher-income clientele.
The mental health landscape in the United States is evolving rapidly, driven by the unique challenges of the pandemic. The "US Wellness Industry Outlook 2023" report sheds light on how these challenges are reshaping the industry, with increasing awareness, acceptance, and innovative approaches paving the way for a brighter future in mental wellness.
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Sources:
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jonathan Haidt - Author and Social Psychologist
SBU - Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services
Insider - Insider.com
APA - American Psychological Association
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NIH - National Institutes of Health
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Forbes - Forbes.com
HHS - U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
HBR - Harvard Business Review
Deloitte - Deloitte.com
SHRM - Society for Human Resource Management
Conference Board - Conference-Board.org
