Doesn’t it feel like more and more people are talking about depression lately? Compared to years prior, mental health is more widely accepted, and talking about it is less taboo. But that’s not the only reason depression may be more of a prominent topic of conversation.
The number of people who are diagnosed with depression has significantly increased in recent years. This is especially true in young adults and women. So what exactly is happening in the world? Why are so many people feeling sad, overwhelmed, or overall just not okay? Let’s learn more about why depression rates are on the rise.
Isolation
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, people were already starting to feel disconnected from one another. But the lockdowns, increased screen time, and shift from in-office to remote work only made matters worse.
Humans are wired for connection. In fact, connecting with others can be just as important for a person as food, water, and shelter. When we’re cut off from society, family, and friends, it can take a huge toll on our overall mental health and wellness.
Stressful Life Events
Life is filled with ups and downs. At times, it can feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. When you wake up in the morning, you never really know what to expect. Even if you have your entire day planned out, it’s easy for something to come up that throws everything off track.
For many people, life stressors have not decreased in recent years. More and more people are carrying the burden of financial worries, student loans, job insecurity, and increased housing prices, just to name a few added pressures.
A lot of people are also faced with an intense pressure to succeed. In a world where the bar is constantly being raised, trying to keep up with it all can take a toll. Chronic stress can lead to fatigue, burnout, and even depression. When stress has this much of an impact, therapy for depression is often the best course of action.
Social Media
Social media use has also been on the rise. While social media is amazing for being able to connect with like-minded individuals from all over the globe, building relationships, expressing yourself creatively, and finding your voice, it also comes along with some negatives.
Viewing posts and stories on social media can have us playing the comparison game. No matter how hard you try not to do this, it can be easy to start to compare your own life to what you’re seeing when you’re scrolling. The filtered photos of relationships, material goods, and vacations can make us feel like we’re behind in our own lives. This can mess with our self-esteem and lead to feelings of worthlessness.
Acceptance and Awareness
Depression is a serious mental health condition, but there may actually be a silver lining to the fact that more and more people are getting diagnosed. It also means that people are becoming more aware of mental health and realizing that they need to reach out for help.
This increased sense of awareness is helping to reduce the stigma that is associated with depression and mental health in general. While no one wants to see more people suffering from depression, more diagnoses could mean we’re finally paying attention and being open and honest with ourselves and others.
Professional Support Can Help
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating depression. That’s why there are so many different therapy options out there. Each person is unique, and their depression can be caused by a variety of different factors and influences.
If you find yourself struggling with depression, you’re not alone. Contrary to what you may have been taught in the past, it’s okay to not be okay. Get in touch for a free consultation and to learn more about how a depression counselor can help you better manage your depression.
