According to a recent CNN.com Health News Report, nearly 1 in 4 young adults in the US were treated for mental health during the pandemic.
In fact, the percentage of U.S.-based young adults who got mental health treatment in 2021 was measured as being up to 22%, an increase from the 19% that was measured in 2019.
And for the most part, this upward trend in ‘the number of adults’ seeking mental health treatment was predominantly spurred by adults ages 18 to 44.
This age group was least likely to receive mental health treatment back in 2019. However, they became the most likely to do so in 2021.
But this also didn’t necessarily come out of left-field, either.
The World Health Organization has called attention to what they described as a ‘massive’ increase in anxiety and depression on a global scale.
The prevalance of these mental health issues increased by 25% during the first year of the pandemic—which is nothing to scoff at.
With all of this stuff circulating in the news, it’s easy to realize that mental health isn’t just a ‘myth.’ For most people, these are real issues.
And even though we’ve (for the most part) made it through the pandemic and out the other side, there’s still an important discussion to be had about how much emphasis should be placed on mental health today.
And the answer is simply this:
We should probably be placing a large emphasis on it.
Taking Care Of Yourself Should Be A Primary Concern
Some people push back against the idea that mental health should be made a priority by saying things like:
“Back in my day, people weren’t such weenies. You need to be tough to get through life… so be tough.”
And to a point, there’s a bit of truth to the fact that it is in our best interest to be ‘tough’ to get through life.
But here’s the thing.
Not all humans are existing in the same types of situations.
And for some humans—the isolation and stress brought about by the pandemic was enough to cause them some serious mental anguish.
For some people—not being able to work, all while sitting at home and watching their money evaporate before their eyes without being able to replenish it—was a pretty serious reality.
And hey—if you’re already in a tough spot, money stress will certainly do a number on you!
Throw in a bit of isolation due to the pandemic—and it’s little wonder that so many people were realizing:
“You know what? I’m not sure that I’m ok. In fact, I don’t think that I feel ‘OK’ anymore.”
At the end of the day—if you want to succeed in this world and truly find health and wellness for yourself, then you should definitely make mental health a priority.
We all need to feel good in order to be good.
And mental health is a massive part of that.
So don’t be afraid to seek out some things that help you to improve your mental health—and don’t stop making it a priority.
It’s worth it to stay healthy, happy, and strong.