- Recent research attests to the growing number of mental health cases.
- Experts point to generational differences in mental health care as a major contributor to the mental health epidemic.
What Are Generational Differences?
Generational differences comprise the gap in beliefs, politics, values, and opinions between certain age groups. In popular usage, the term “generation gap” is used to describe the perceived fundamental differences between younger people and their parents or grandparents.
Such differences manifest themselves in several ways, particularly in:
- Technology gaps
- Contradictory belief systems
- Attitudes towards conflict
- Language brokering
- Different approaches towards marriage, divorce, etc.
The Effects Of Generational Differences
Intergenerational differences sometimes have a negative impact on interpersonal relationships between generations. Rigid generational differences in families can result in dysfunctional familial dynamics, frequent conflict, as well as loss of love, trust, and confidence.
The impact of generational gaps can also be seen in workplaces, marked by unpleasant realities like professional misunderstandings and conflict, high employee turnover, difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled labor, and failure to gain employee commitment.
However, the most common ill consequence of generational differences involves the regressive attitude toward mental well-being and mental healthcare treatment.
Generational Differences In Mental Health
Generational differences that affect mental health also contribute to the stigmatization of mental well-being. Mental health concerns are taken to be “flimsy” or “unfounded” and any conversation around mental health is looked down upon.
Moreover, this sweeping under the carpet of mental disorders and their treatment means that mental illness goes largely ill-diagnosed or ignored. Such an attitude boosts the explosion of mental health conditions, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Untreated trauma and abuse
- Eating disorders
- Adjustment disorders
- Self-harm tendencies, etc.
Addressing The Generational Gap For Well-being
Research affirms that the impact of generational gaps can be successfully checked by practicing generational consciousness and intergenerational living.
Furthermore, the experts recommend mental health awareness of the pitfalls of generational gaps when it comes to maintaining sound mental health and seeking help for mental well-being.
