Change is a natural thing and has been since the beginning of time. Through evolution and experience, we’ve learned to make most things easier or more efficient. But for older generations, adapting to change can be difficult — especially when it comes to wellness. The Calli Institute wants to normalize learning to embrace therapy for all generations. Keep reading to learn more about bridging the therapy gap.
Generational Differences
It’s no secret that younger generations tend to think their parents and grandparents are “out of tune” with, well everything. Right? The older crowd still likes what it likes because times were, in fact, different however many decades ago. Many of the things that people like, think, and do are ingrained from an early age as habits — and you know the saying about old habits.
And for older generations, mental health wasn’t something that was openly talked about. In fact, early history indicates that emotional issues were the work of otherworldly energies. Even those who were “shell shocked” from the experience of war were often institutionalized for being “crazy.”
Latch-key kids grew up relying on themselves. With both parents at work or divorce as a factor, these kids often dealt with adult situations at too early an age. That type of survival and independence can affect one’s mental wellness.
Because of the shame and stigma associated with emotional ailments, discussing such medical concerns simply wasn’t accepted. But that didn’t mean those issues simply went away.
What Changed: Wellness Literacy
Over the past couple of decades, mental health has become more of a hot-button topic. People have become more aware of mental health issues and have greater access to education, resources, and assistance.
Younger generations have developed an improved mental health literacy, allowing them to better understand mental health issues and recognize potential concerns within themselves. And with the development and advancements in technology, people today have more mental health information and answers literally at their fingertips.
Even celebrities including Ryan Reynolds, Serena Williams, and Prince Harry have talked recently about their mental health, opening the door for others to start conversations on the topic.
Discussing mental health struggles helps to shine a light on issues that were previously hidden away out of fear or judgment. And by bringing it out into the open, people now are more inclined to both talk about their mental health issues and seek help in coping with them.
The definition of mental health has also evolved. It no longer narrows in on afflictions but rather on finding and maintaining an overall state of wellness. That evolution has broadened the scope of well-being to include self-esteem boosters like:
- Developing relationships with others
- Feeling good through physical activity
- Increasing self-worth by helping others
- Understanding yourself by being mindful
Changing how we think about mental health has helped turn this topic into one that people want to talk about and learn about. The evolving narrative on mental health invites people to be more open about how they feel and more inclined to engage with others about wellness.
The Benefits of Asking for Help
With mental health discussions on the table and resources at the ready, it’s easier than ever to find help. The important thing is to know when to ask for it. If you find yourself having more bad days than good days, perhaps it’s time to assess your wellness and reach out to a professional.
We’ve all heard the saying “It’s okay to not be okay.” We all have bad days, and we all need help sometimes. That’s part of being human, and there’s no shame in asking for help. In fact, reaching out can help you:
- Find support — from a wellness provider as well as from family and friends. You don’t need to go through this alone.
- Learn to cope — by developing awareness techniques geared toward your wellness.
- Build healthy relationships — through being open with those in your support system.
- Enhance your life — by learning to overcome daily challenges and having honest communication with others.
Help for All Generations
As conversations about mental health continue to evolve, we understand that it can still be difficult to reach out. Just know that help is out there for everyone of all generations. Learning to embrace therapy is the first step in improving mental health and overall wellness, and that first step starts with you. The professionals at The Calli Institute are here if you need someone to listen. We’re bridging the therapy gap with accessible and innovative mental health support.