Why Are People More Depressed And Anxious Than Ever?
Written by Dr. Nicole Nasr, Founder & CEO of Journey
Dr. Nicole Nasr is the founder of Journey, a matching platform between clients and practitioners. After qualifying as a psychologist, she began her career working for two practices, but as time went on, yearned for greater flexibility and autonomy.
There is a notion that the rates of depression and anxiety have reached unprecedented levels. So the question that arises is, what could be causing this alarming increase? Is it due to increased awareness of mental health issues? Perhaps it's the relentless pace of modern life, characterized by constant change. Could our daily consumption of media play a role? Or maybe it's the persistent cycle of overwork and burnout that many of us experience. The factors are numerous suggesting a deeper exploration that might go beyond the scope of a single blog article.
1. Heightened awareness and recognition
One significant factor contributing to this increase is the heightened awareness of mental health issues. In contrast to prior generations, our society has actively been encouraging open discussions and aims to normalize seeking help when faced with mental health challenges.
As the topic has become less stigmatized, more individuals can not only recognize symptoms early on but also willingly reach out for professional support. The increased readiness to seek help has, therefore, led to higher reported rates of conditions like depression and anxiety. It's important to understand that this doesn't necessarily mean that more people are suffering, but rather that more people are getting the help they need.
2. Impact of rapid lifestyle changes
The rhythm of modern life is characterized by a state of constant flux and continuously evolving expectations. This is primarily driven by a wave of technological advancements that have drastically revolutionized the way we work, the way we communicate, and our overall interaction with the world around us. On one hand, these advancements provide a level of convenience and efficiency that was unimaginable just a few decades ago. Tasks that previously took hours can now be completed in mere minutes, and communication across vast distances has been made instantaneously possible.
However, on the other hand, these same advancements also introduce a new set of stressors. The pressure to constantly adapt, to multitask, and to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world can be immense. This constant need to learn, evolve, and stay ahead of the curve can often contribute to feelings of anxiety. This is the paradox of our modern existence: while technology can simplify our lives, it also has the potential to complicate it.
3. Influence of media consumption
A considerable contributor to the state of our mental health is the pervasive role of media in our daily lives. The advent of social media platforms, combined with round-the-clock news cycles, has resulted in a deluge of information being unleashed upon us at rates that are unparalleled in human history. This constant bombardment of information, while having the positive aspect of connecting us, also has a dark side. It exposes us to an incessant stream of content that is often distressing or sensationalized, designed to provoke emotional reactions in us. In a world where we are always "plugged in", it can be incredibly challenging to escape these influences and maintain an ‘all-time’ positive mental state.
The boundary between our online and offline lives has become increasingly blurred. Our digital interactions can impact our real-world relationships, self-esteem, and overall emotional well-being. This sort of digital engagement can result in a phenomenon known as "technostress", a type of stress related to the overuse of technology, which can cause fatigue, burnout, and in severe cases, physical health issues.
4. Struggles with overwork and burnout
In the relentless pursuit of success and productivity in today's high-speed world, an alarming number of individuals find themselves grappling with the detrimental effects of overwork and burnout. The pervasive culture of "always-on", driven by technological advancements and societal expectations, has blurred the once-clear boundaries between work and personal life.
As a result, we are often caught in an endless cycle of stress and exhaustion that can deplete our mental resources over time. This state of mental and emotional fatigue weakens our resilience. It puts us at an increased risk of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions not only affect our well-being but also our professional performance, creating a vicious cycle that's hard to break free from.
5. Social isolation
In an age where the world feels smaller due to technological advancements, we find ourselves in a paradoxical reality. We are more globally connected than ever before, thanks to innovations like the internet, social media, and video conferencing like Zoom and FaceTime. However, a significant number of individuals are still struggling with intense feelings of loneliness and social isolation. The issue is less about the overall size of one's social network or the sheer quantity of their social interactions. It's more about the quality and meaningfulness of these connections. It's about the subjective, deeply personal experience of feeling understood, appreciated, and genuinely cared for by others.
We are discovering that virtual interactions cannot replicate the warmth and intimacy of face-to-face interactions. The effects of such isolation are not to be taken lightly. It's well-documented that chronic loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety.
The evolving attitudes towards mental health have unmasked hidden struggles, yet new stressors from technology, media consumption, and the blurring of work and personal life can lead to burnout and isolation, further complicating our lives. However, by taking the lead in addressing these challenges, we have the opportunity to create a domino effect that fosters a better understanding and support system for our mental well-being.
Dr. Nicole Nasr, Founder & CEO of Journey
Dr. Nicole Nasr is the founder of Journey, a matching platform between clients and practitioners. After qualifying as a psychologist, she began her career working for two practices, but as time went on, yearned for greater flexibility and autonomy. She turned to Instagram which brought her 36 clients in just nine months, but soon discovered that filming herself, managing her account, and creating content was overwhelming and didn't align with her passion. Driven by the belief that she couldn't be the only one facing these hurdles, the concept of Journey was born. Dr. Nicole envisioned a platform that would free practitioners from the burdens of self-advertising, so they could wholeheartedly focus on their clients.
