Discussion and awareness of mental health issues have increased in the last few years, which has done wonders to reduce stigma. However, recently it’s been debated whether there is in fact a mental health epidemic – and if so, what the far-reaching effects may be.
Let’s go into the reasons why (and why not) there might be a mental health epidemic in countries around the world.
Rising prevalence of mental illness
Data suggests that mental health disorders are becoming more common. According to Mental Health America (MHA), approximately 23% of U.S. adults experienced a mental illness in 2021-2022. This figure equates to nearly 60 million individuals. Similar trends are observed in other countries, where depression and anxiety disorders appear to be on the rise.
This increase could reflect both a genuine worsening of mental health conditions and improved awareness leading to more diagnoses.
In either case, the numbers indicate that more people are seeking professional help and mental health services are facing growing demand.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected global mental health, with lockdowns, economic uncertainty, and social isolation contributing to increased rates of anxiety and depression.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that during the first year of the pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression surged by over 25%.
The widespread nature of this rise suggests that environmental factors played a major role. Many people experienced stressors such as job losses, disrupted education, social isolation and health concerns – all of which contributed to worsening mental well-being.
While some symptoms may have improved post-pandemic, research indicates that many individuals continue to struggle with long-term mental health effects.
Youth mental health crisis
One of the most concerning trends is the increase in mental health issues among young people.
Studies indicate that adolescents and young adults are reporting higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to previous generations.
A report by The Lancet Psychiatry Commission highlights how factors like social media, economic insecurity, and climate anxiety are contributing to mental distress among young people.
Today’s youth face a combination of online pressures and global uncertainties that were not as prevalent in the past.
Social media platforms can exacerbate mental health struggles, with constant exposure to unrealistic standards and negative news cycles.
The financial burden of rising living costs and concerns about job security also add to stress levels.
Overdiagnosis and medicalisation
Some healthcare professionals believe that everyday stress, sadness, and anxiety are now being classified as mental illnesses, even when they do not meet the clinical threshold for a disorder.
According to a Centre for Social Justice report, 84% of surveyed general practitioners (GPs) in the UK believe that normal life stressors are being mislabeled as mental illness, leading to unnecessary prescriptions and treatments.
This raises concerns about the potential for overmedication, particularly when individuals who might benefit from lifestyle changes, therapy, or social support are instead prescribed medication.
Some critics argue that pharmaceutical companies benefit from expanding diagnostic criteria, leading to a situation where more people are classified as mentally ill than ever before.
The role of mental health awareness campaigns
The push for greater mental health awareness has helped reduce stigma, but it may also contribute to an increase in self-reported mental health issues.
Clinical Trials Arena highlights concerns that heightened awareness could lead to overdiagnosis and an overwhelmed healthcare system.
As more people become familiar with mental health terminology, some may identify with symptoms they see described online or in awareness campaigns, even if they do not meet the clinical criteria for a disorder.
This can create a cycle where normal emotional experiences – such as feeling anxious before an exam or sad after a breakup – are increasingly seen as symptoms of a medical condition.
Some experts suggest that while awareness campaigns have positive aspects, they should focus on mental well-being as a spectrum, rather than implying that every emotional challenge is a disorder requiring medical intervention.
What are the impacts of a mental health crisis?
Epidemic or not, there are some notable impacts of a mental health crisis on individuals and society, including the following:
- Healthcare strain – Overwhelmed services lead to long wait times and untreated cases, increasing reliance on emergency care and driving up costs.
- Economic impact – Reduced productivity and higher absenteeism contribute to job losses and increased welfare spending.
- Social effects – More homelessness, crime, and strained family relationships as individuals struggle without adequate support.
- Education struggles – Higher dropout rates and increased demand for school support, with many students withdrawing socially due to mental health issues.
- Addictions and further issues – with the rise of online gambling, people can easily visit websites and have a form of escapism – but this may in turn worsen their mental health issues.
Final thoughts
Whether there is a mental health epidemic or not depends on the definition you use and the research that you follow. There’s no denying that mental health diagnoses are on the rise, however, and it’s important to address this.
