Is Therapy Finally Becoming Cool? More and more Americans seem to think so

As we enter a new era of mental health awareness and acceptance, the U.S. is witnessing an increased demand for professional mental health services. This surge is fueled not only by a burgeoning mental health crisis, marked by heightened levels of anxiety and depression, but also by a more open dialogue surrounding mental wellness and an increased acceptance of therapy as a vital component of holistic health.

A recent Gallup poll revealed that in 2022, 23% of U.S. adults sought help from a mental health professional, a significant rise from 13% in 2004. However, when asked to self-assess their mental well-being, only 31% described their mental health as “excellent”, marking the lowest recorded percentage. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger adults (aged 18-24), with a mere 20% expressing that they are in excellent mental health.

These startling figures shed light on the emerging "mental health paradox" - a simultaneous increase in mental health awareness and mental health problems. Amy Wagner, a therapist based in Carrollton, Georgia, succinctly summarizes the broader scenario: “The pandemic unmasked a lot for a lot of people, but there’s more going on outside of that.”

Isolation-induced anxiety and depression are rampant, cutting across various demographics from teenage girls to parents with young children and even retirees. Simultaneously, research has highlighted social media's nefarious influence on young people's mental health. A study published in the American Economic Review revealed that college-wide access to Facebook led to a 7% increase in severe depression and a 20% rise in anxiety disorders. The impact of America's spiraling substance abuse crisis, with fentanyl overdose deaths quadrupling from 2016 to 2021, cannot be overlooked either.

Given the escalating demand for mental health services, professionals like Wagner struggle to keep up. As the New York Times reported, many therapists are overwhelmed by the volume of inquiries from potential new patients. Despite the pressing need, however, access to care remains a significant barrier. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only 28% of Americans live in areas with an adequate number of mental health professionals to serve the population.

The affordability of mental health services further complicates matters. A Verywell survey noted that the average out-of-pocket monthly cost for mental health treatment is $178. Nearly 40% of patients admitted needing financial assistance to afford treatment, revealing a significant gap in our healthcare system.

Yet, amidst these challenges, there's a hopeful silver lining: the growing destigmatization of seeking mental health treatment. University of Chicago psychologist Daniel Fridberg notes, "We're seeing a different type of conversation around mental health nowadays." This shift is evident in recent surveys. According to the American Psychological Association, 87% of American adults now agree that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of. Furthermore, a Hinge study revealed that 91% of the dating app's users would prefer to date someone in therapy, signaling a profound change in societal attitudes.

These evolving perspectives could ultimately reshape our collective approach to mental health, leading to better care and greater acceptance for those suffering from mental health issues. Friedberg adds, "We're in interesting times here, and I think it's ultimately going to be for the better." As a society, we must capitalize on this momentum to address the critical issues of accessibility and affordability, thereby ensuring that mental health care is a right, not a privilege, for all Americans.

These developments are timely in the face of an escalating mental health crisis. They provide a glimmer of hope that as our understanding and acceptance of mental health grow, so too will our capacity to support those grappling with mental health issues, regardless of their age, gender, or race.

To further understand the scope of this issue, let’s examine some of the factors contributing to this surge in demand for mental health services and the changing perceptions surrounding mental health.

The most immediate and palpable cause for the increase of therapy is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has profoundly impacted mental health globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders increased considerably in the United States during 2020, coinciding with the onset of the pandemic (CDC, 2021). Pandemic-induced isolation, uncertainty, and economic strain have all affected mental health, affecting people of all ages, genders, and races.

In addition to the pandemic, the rise of social media has significantly influenced mental health, particularly among young people. A study published in the American Economic Review revealed that college-wide access to Facebook led to a 7% rise in severe depression and a 20% increase in anxiety disorders (Bursztyn, 2019). This phenomenon can be attributed to many factors, including cyberbullying, social comparison, and increased screen time, all of which can contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Cost is another considerable barrier. The average out-of-pocket monthly cost for mental health treatment is $178, according to a survey by Verywell (Verywell, 2021). This cost is prohibitively high for many Americans, putting mental health care out of reach for those who need it most.

Despite these challenges, there's a glimmer of hope. Mental health stigma is decreasing, and society is embracing mental health care more openly. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that 87% of American adults agreed that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of (APA, 2022). This change in societal attitudes towards mental health is crucial in normalizing seeking help for mental health issues.

Moreover, a Hinge study revealed that 91% of users would prefer to date someone in therapy (Hinge, 2022). This statistic is a testament to how far we've shifted the narrative around mental health, viewing therapy not as a sign of weakness but as a commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.

As we navigate these challenging times, the evolving discourse around mental health provides some optimism. Daniel Fridberg, a psychologist at the University of Chicago, notes, "We're in interesting times here, and I think it's ultimately going to be for the better" (Fridberg, 2023). It’s a crucial reminder that societal shifts and increasing awareness can lead to real progress even in the face of an escalating mental health crisis.

However, to truly leverage these advancements, we must address the existing barriers to mental health care, including accessibility, affordability, and ongoing stigma. By doing so, we can ensure that more people get the help they need, ultimately creating a healthier, more resilient society.

References:

• American Economic Review. (2019). Bursztyn, L., Egorov, G., & Fiorin, S. From Facebook to the depression.

• American Psychological Association. (2022). Stigma about mental health issues is decreasing.

• Association of American Medical Colleges. (2018). 2018 Update: The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections from 2016 to 2030.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Mental Health - Household Pulse Survey.

• Fridberg, D. (2023). Pandey, E. (2023, July 15). America’s Therapy Boom. Health.

• Hinge. (2022). Mental health and dating survey.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Increases in Drug and Opioid Overdose Deaths — United States, 2000–2015.

• Verywell. (2021). Mental health statistics.