Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in demand for mental health care among children and adults. Over a range of age groups, the largest increase in people seeking help for their mental health was among those between the ages of 13-17. Specifically, 46% of psychologists reported adolescents in this age range sought help over that of the previous 12-month period.1 This implies a growing awareness of mental health issues and reduced stigma, but also points to the mounting pressures of modern life or at least an increased desire to tackle those pressures.
Children’s Mental Health: A Growing Concern
The mental health of children has become a critical area of focus for health care professionals, parents, and educators. With the stages of childhood and adolescence being critical for development, children are much more susceptible to feeling environmental pressures.2
Technology and Social Media Impact
The digital age and social media in particular have contributed greatly to the need for mental health counseling, especially in children. Here are some ways social media has impacted children and adolescents:
- Cyberbullying or online harassment has affected a large number of social media users in the past several years.
- Social media-induced comparison can cause children and adolescents to feel negatively about themselves, which can lead to anxiety and depression.3
Adult Mental Health: Navigating Complex Pressures
Adults are experiencing their own set of mental health challenges, often in the workplace, driving an increased demand for psychiatric care:
Workplace Stress and Burnout
The modern workplace has become a significant source of mental health strain, leading to adults feeling the pressures of:
- Increased job insecurity
- Work-life balance challenges
- Remote work-related isolation
- Excessive workloads or understaffing
- Economic uncertainties
- Constant connectivity and expectation of availability4
Pandemic-Induced Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic impact on the mental well-being of many. With extended periods of isolation, disrupted education, social distancing, and heightened family stress, the mental health of adults and children was greatly affected. The uncertainty of the pandemic led to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and substance-abuse disorders. As a result, many have experienced:
- Heightened social anxiety
- Increased feelings of loneliness and depression
- Difficulty readjusting to in-person social interactions
- Increase in substance abuse disorders1
Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in demand for mental health care among children and adults. Over a range of age groups, the largest increase in people seeking help for their mental health was among those between the ages of 13-17. Specifically, 46% of psychologists reported adolescents in this age range sought help over that of the previous 12-month period.6 This implies a growing awareness of mental health issues and reduced stigma, but also points to the mounting pressures of modern life or at least an increased desire to tackle those pressures.
Breaking Down Barriers
- The rising demand for mental health care is also positive in several ways:
- Increased Awareness: Better understanding of mental health conditions and when to ask for help.
- Reduced Stigma: People are becoming more comfortable seeking help from a professional.
- Improved Access: Telehealth and digital mental health resources make it easier for people to attend needed therapy sessions.
Challenges in Meeting Demand
Despite increased awareness, significant challenges remain. The rising demand of mental health care has put a strain on health care professionals. Last year, it was reported that around 56% of psychologists had no openings for new patients, with waitlists being 3 months or longer.5
Other challenges include the high costs of treatment for therapy sessions, uneven mental health care distribution, and cultural and social barriers.
Conclusion
The rising demand for mental and psychiatric care is not just a trend but a critical public health issue. As society continues to evolve, it is important that individuals of all ages receive the support, understanding, and care they need to thrive psychologically and emotionally.
Sources:
1: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2022/11/mental-health-care-strains#:~:text=Across%20age%20groups%2C%20the%20largest,%25)%20over%20the%20same%20period.
2: https://www.cdc.gov/children-mental-health/about/index.htl#:~:text=Mental%20health%20is%20not%20simply,to%20opportunities%2C%20and%20environmental%20circumstances
3: https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/social-medias-impact-our-mental-health-and-tips-to-use-it-safely/2024/05
4: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work
5: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/12/06/1217487323/psychologists-waitlist-demand-mental-health-care