Dear Evan Hansen on Mental Illness Stigma in the Millennial Generation From the earliest days of humanity, mental illness has been been stigmatized as something that is not understood and therefore should be feared. In the Middle Ages, those with mental illnesses were institutionalized in inhumane conditions and stored away from the mainstream society instead of being treated. Into modern times, medical techniques advanced and we began to study mental illnesses not as something to be feared but treatable the same way as they would treat a physical illness. Going into the current century and the generation that grew up in it, Millenials and Generation X, stigma towards mental illness reached a perhaps all time low, but it is still prevalent
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Whether this is due to an actual increase in depression or more people coming forward to be treated and understanding the symptoms, this increase has contributed to the normality of mental illness within the population. During this age period that the Millennials are currently in, 18-24 years old, is one of the largest populations that comprise suicides. This rate has nearly tripled since 1950 (ACHA). Mental illnesses impact on this generation is one that is bigger than in any other generation and has propelled Millennials to begin searching for acceptance and treatment of these diseases. According to a research study, between 2010 and 2014, there was a change of 32% to 42% among millennials who believed that stigma and discrimination towards mental illnesses and seeking professional help had decreased (“Attitudes”). Millennials are noticing the continuing challenge of mental illness and it’s treatment and rising to the occasion with groups such as Millennials for Mental Health Awareness, an organization founded by young professionals to “to raise awareness of the impact that mental health issues have on the Millennial generation” (Millennials for Mental Health Awareness). Despite these preventive and advocating measures, according to recent study, a majority of the reasoning behind college age students, 18-24, are unlikely to seek on campus counseling due to social stigma and lack of knowledge about mental illness symptoms
Whether this is due to an actual increase in depression or more people coming forward to be treated and understanding the symptoms, this increase has contributed to the normality of mental illness within the population. During this age period that the Millennials are currently in, 18-24 years old, is one of the largest populations that comprise suicides. This rate has nearly tripled since 1950 (ACHA). Mental illnesses impact on this generation is one that is bigger than in any other generation and has propelled Millennials to begin searching for acceptance and treatment of these diseases. According to a research study, between 2010 and 2014, there was a change of 32% to 42% among millennials who believed that stigma and discrimination towards mental illnesses and seeking professional help had decreased (“Attitudes”). Millennials are noticing the continuing challenge of mental illness and it’s treatment and rising to the occasion with groups such as Millennials for Mental Health Awareness, an organization founded by young professionals to “to raise awareness of the impact that mental health issues have on the Millennial generation” (Millennials for Mental Health Awareness). Despite these preventive and advocating measures, according to recent study, a majority of the reasoning behind college age students, 18-24, are unlikely to seek on campus counseling due to social stigma and lack of knowledge about mental illness symptoms