The rapid pace of globalization and technological innovation has made us increasingly vulnerable to mental illnesses. The spread of mental diseases has increased, despite the numerous innovations ushered in cognitive therapies and mental wellness treatments. People are increasingly reliant on drugs, substance abuse, and other illicit substances to seek relief from stress and anxiety.
Despite its many advantages offering numerous conveniences, modern-day life is riddled with challenges, stressors, and anxiety. We live in such times where everything is at our fingertips, and yet, our mental well-being is more compromised than ever. It is crucial to note that one mental illness triggers another, creating a vicious cycle.
For instance, stress gives birth to anxiety, which triggers depression and more serious mental disorders, leading to coronary heart diseases. In the wake of the COVID-19 restrictions, mental health has become more critical than ever. This article will walk you through various reasons to build a compelling case that advocates increased mindfulness towards mental health.
Here, take a look:
Globalization
In recent years, technological innovation has reduced all geographic and demographic barriers, ushering in rapid globalization. Developed countries have witnessed increased trends of inward migration. This inward migration has led to dramatic increases in migration-related mental disorders. Socioeconomic changes, life events, and globalization have given rise to various mental disorders, primarily depression.
Globalization has countless positive aspects, but it also has some fiercely opposing sides. It has ushered in the death of cultural identity and individuality, which has dangerous consequences for all nations and their inhabitants. The decline of individualism gives rise to mental health complications as people fail to fit in. Globalization has also increased the geopolitical involvement of powerful countries, thereby increasing wars and military skirmishes.
In recent years, veteran suicide prevention has emerged as the most significant challenge for nations involved in overseas wars and military campaigns. Veterans suffer from severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, which increases their risk of suicide.
People migrating to cities in search of jobs and improved living standards face several financial challenges. These economic challenges and the constant hunt for a better, more fulfilling life compromises mental well-being drastically. Governments have failed to manage globalization and urbanization effectively. It has created scores of challenges to people migrating and the people already settled in big cities.
Extreme Social Media Usage
Social media has rapidly emerged as an integral and essential part of our lives. The rise of smartphone usage has further increased our reliance on social media for connectivity, entertainment, and information. The act of sharing everything and the need to share something has given birth to numerous mental health ailments.
We have actively started comparing our lives with others’ experiences, giving rise to unhappiness and lack of contentment. We travel, eat, and shop not for ourselves, but merely to share our happenings with our social connections. Excessive social media usage is directly associated with increased unhappiness, lack of contentment, depression, and anxiety.
People become anxious when they cannot compete with influencers and celebrities’ seemingly happy and perfect lives. They desire to enjoy the same luxury and lifestyle as their favorite influencers and social media stars. It has triggered a series of complexes, making people highly conscious and unsatisfied with their own lives.
Research reveals that excessive social media usage increases stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health ailments. Experts strongly advise youngsters, adolescents, and millennials to reduce their social media usage and seek inspiration instead of competition.
Growing Competitiveness
Have you ever felt that you are competing in a race where the odds are firmly against you? Do you feel the need to perform better than your peers? Do you feel the need to own better and more expensive gadgets than your friends? Do you feel the need to serve better and academically excel more than your siblings?
In recent years, competitiveness has grown at an alarming pace, triggering the rise of numerous mental health ailments. Mostly, this heightened competitiveness is increasing stress levels, which give rise to other chronic physical and mental illnesses. In some instances, parents encourage their children to become competitive by showing dissatisfaction with their grades and performance. It can push children towards suicidal thoughts and depression when they fail to bring in satisfactory results.
In many cases, organizations promote competitiveness by pitting their employees against one another with rewards and penalties. This heightened competition doesn’t serve anyone. We cannot enjoy peace and contentment by envying the blessings and bounties of others.
We can work towards a bigger house, a bigger car, and a more significant bank balance. But adopting a highly competitive attitude exposes us to stress, anxiety, and mental disorders. Setting goals is essential and crucial to growing physically, spiritually, and financially, but not at the cost of your mental well-being.
Social Isolation
The COVID-19 pandemic has damaged the mental well-being of billions across the world. Humans are social animals and thrive on family ties, friendships, at-work interactions, and social circles. The coronavirus health emergency has forced us all indoors, depriving us of the social energy that sustains us.
Research reveals that the pandemic and resulting social isolation has given rise to mental illnesses. People who were already suffering from anxiety and depression are complaining of relapses and worsening symptoms. People who had tendencies for stress and anxiety are experiencing deteriorating life quality and mental complications.
The pandemic has given rise to financial and economic challenges, which also aggravates mental well-being. Physical distancing has increased loneliness, which is a powerful trigger for depression, anxiety, and compromised mental health. Social isolation has rendered us unable to meet our loved ones and family, and thus, unable to seek relief and refuge.
Millions across the world lost their jobs, leading to increased low self-esteem, mental distress, anxiety, and depression. Healthcare professionals working on the frontlines are at a heightened risk for mental burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Conclusion
It is an uncertain time for the entire world, and therefore, we need to act and think collectively. In the face of these alarming statistics, we can all stand together and be more mindful of each other. Social distancing has deprived us of the comfort of touch, but technology allows us to maintain the connection. Looking after each other is the only way we can combat these statistics and promote mental well-being.
