By Nicolle Bek ’25
Staff Writer
bekn29@lfc.edu
In the present society, the topic of mental health is generally viewed differently between younger and older generations. More specifically, opinions revolving around mental health resources, such as therapy and prescribed medication, are the main topics of debate. When it comes to mental health resources, generally older generations, like Boomers, are more hesitant to support the resources. On the other hand, the younger generations, like Millenials and Gen Z, are more open toward it.
A report posted by the American Psychiatric Association concluded that compared to other generations, Generation Z utilizes mental health resources the most. Thirty-seven percent of Generation Z are likely to receive therapy, and on the other hand, only 22 percent of Boomers are likely to receive therapy.
For Generation Z, there are visible trends that show why they support mental health resources. Alexander Patterson, a practicum therapist at Lake Forest College, says that the main trend is the decrease in mental health stigma, specifically in the younger generations. He believes that the main factor for it is social media.
“Mental health has been significantly destigmatized on platforms like TikTok and Instagram…[where]the amount of mental health information and validation is vast. People did a really good job decreasing the shame of mental health,” Patterson said.
Along with social media, campaigns like “Make it OK,” also have helped decrease the negative mental health stigma, specifically starting in 2017. Additionally, based on information from Health Partners, a nonprofit health care provider, there was a 5 percent increase in people who felt comfortable speaking up about their mental health and a 4 percent decrease in the number of people who were most hesitant in receiving mental health resources.
When it comes to older generations, generally speaking, their traditional beliefs have to be taken into account. Within those beliefs, Patterson says that there is influence from gender and the area that they grew up in.
“In terms of those who tend not to support [mental health resources], it is people who fall on the conservative end of the political spectrum…. men, more so than women, tend to be “tough it out’ and ‘grit your teeth’ sort of thing. And more of the older generation, those who didn’t grow in an area where mental health was important… they tend to not understand as well,” Patterson said.
Along with their beliefs, there is a fear that they have about mental health resources. Olga Liliana Rojas, a Colombian-based psychologist, with a translator present, explained that the older generation may lack information about mental health resources, which creates mixed feelings toward the resources. While Rojas is a supporter of mental health resources, she says that there are aspects of the fear which she relates to. Specifically, Rojas says that younger generations do not see the problems with prescribed medication like older generations do.
“It is a mistake to try and generalize that medication is the correct approach for each mental health issue… medication should not be the first approach. When one relies on medication, the person can’t process by themselves the condition that they go through. Many of the medications also have collateral symptoms, mostly in a negative way,” Rojas said.
Andrea Mata, a first-generation Mexican college student, has both older-generation parents who don’t allow her access to mental health resources. Struggling with mental health issues like depression and anxiety, it has been hard for Mata to receive the help that she needs, due to the disagreements between her parents and her.
“[My mom] tells me that she doesn’t want me to get medications because it messes you up, which I don’t understand,” Mata said. “As for my dad, he just says I am being dramatic… he doesn’t believe that people can struggle with their mental health.”
Due to her parent’s stance on mental health resources, Mata says that she doesn’t usually feel any support from her parents. “The reactions that my parents give me sometimes make me feel regretful for saying how I feel… they make me feel like I am just overthinking or overreacting,” Mata said.
Similar to Mata, Daniel Contreras, also a Mexican first-generation student, has had disagreements with his parents about mental health resources. As his parents are from Mexico, Contreras believes that his parent’s culture played the biggest part in their beliefs.
“Mexico is heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, so they thought Jesus was the way for everything,” Contreras said.
Other than religion, Contreras said that misogyny was a common issue in his parent’s culture. “It’s mainly cultural because it also goes into the idea of machismo, which is basically like misogyny in Spanish cultures, where men have to be stronger, where they have to be the bread-winners, and they can’t show any signs of weakness… it associates them with being feminine,” he said.
Although Contreras’s parents have their traditional beliefs, a sudden event in their life changed their perspective.
“It took me landing in the ER after having a severe mental breakdown and regressing tremendously in my acts for them to be like, ‘wow, this is real’,” Contreras said. “After, they were all in support in connecting me with therapy. They were understanding and supportive.”
Cases like Contreras’s show that while the older generation’s traditional views affect their belief, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible for their perspective to change. However, for those who still struggle with unsupportive parents, Patterson recommends turning to those who they do trust. “Get close to some teacher or counselor… they tend to be able to provide short-term support, validation, and even resources,” he said.
Additionally, Patterson recommends researching for information regarding possible symptoms or resources around you. “At Lake Forest College, we have counseling centers. If you are out in a community… there is someone out there who can see you at no or very low cost depending on insurance and financial aid,” he said.
It is clear that with these two opinions, there is a gap within our society when it comes to mental health. However, the gap has slowly been closing, and the future for mental health has looked brighter than ever.
If you need help, please use any of these helpful resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio
(888) 628-9454
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Options for Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255
