Mind4Youth

Authors: Kylie Rivera, Dena Mosavat

In the recent years, mental health has become an increasingly discussed and relevant topic, especially with everything that is brought up in the news. The increased presence of social media platforms which are very popular among Gen Z, has led to a spiral of more mental health disorders and concerns. As a result, many people have begun seeking out methods of treatment, whether that be taking medications or seeing a therapist. While therapy isn’t the only answer to mental health concerns, it has been proven to be extremely effective for a variety of reasons. Yes, therapy is on the rise, but why is that?

Psychology is an extremely diverse field. One patient may exhibit similar symptoms to another patient while having a completely different disorder than them. Many factors play into this, such as environmental conditions; who they grew up with, where they grew up, and what they experienced and/or witnessed as children. As a consequence of this, many types of therapies have emerged, each targeted at different illnesses or focusing on different approaches to treating the same illness. The most popular therapy to date is cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT, which assists patients in understanding their false perceptions or beliefs of others. When patients alter their perspectives, they learn to change their behavior, often for the better. Through CBT, people suffering from anxiety identify the actions and thoughts that further enhance this feeling. As a result, this form of treatment is the leading therapy to overcome social anxiety (Butler et al., 2020). With lesser fear of social situations, individuals can interact with their peers more and form better and stronger relationships. Another well known form of therapy is dialectical behavioral therapy. This type of therapy integrates the opposing ideas of the patient to better change their perspectives on certain situations. As a result, individuals can manage stress and other negative emotions in a more effective manner, which in turn helps them to communicate with their peers more effectively (Conatser). Many forms of therapy highlight and focus on an individual, however, family therapy utilizes a systematic approach to better relationships among a group (Conatser). This method helps individuals to better understand their peers’ perspectives and thought processes. In turn, they become more understanding; this can help them solve conflicts more easily so that they can form healthier relationships with their loved ones (Mental Health America). Similarly, group therapy emphasizes a sense of belonging and acceptance. It helps individuals to understand that they are not alone and feel more accountable for creating change if their peers are (GoodTherapy). Group therapy is commonly practiced with individuals “in the same boat”, such as children with cerebral palsy. Group therapy can benefit kids diagnosed with cerebral palsy because it can help them better understand social interactions (Cerebralpalsy.org). Overall, it may be said that individuals often obtain biases in their world views and stances on certain topics as a result of their experiences as a child, and some of these views/stances may impact individuals negatively. However, there are a variety of therapies that may assist them in acquiring new perspectives, with the hopes that these new perspectives will help them change their old behaviors. Ideally, individuals who have participated in any form(s) of therapy (will) feel more at ease and create better relationships with not only people but things (such as food, work, etc.) as well. 

Although many types of therapies are offered to accommodate the needs of all people, many still find themselves hesitant of going to therapy and seeking help. Lots of people feel afraid of being judged or perceived as weak by their family or friends for seeking out therapy. However, when an individual’s well being is on the line, it is wisest for them to step away from the worries, fears, and societal pressures that they feel are suffocating them and just do what is best for them and their mental health. Studies show that talking things through in order to come to terms with one’s own emotions can be extremely beneficial. There are many steps that go into a therapist’s ensuring a client’s wellbeing that simultaneously showcase the benefits of therapy. First and foremost, therapists show respect for the rights and dignity of humans. They make their best efforts at treating people justly and respecting their autonomy and independence. Therapists also show propriety. They must always act in a way that will improve the wellbeing of their clients, while refraining from causing any harm to them. Not only that, but a good therapist must show integrity, meaning they must be of good character and be worthy of the trust given to them in their professional roles. Lastly, therapists maintain healthy boundaries and listen to clients for boundary checks. Therapists always have their clients’ best interests in mind and try to be flexible to meet their needs as best they can. They make sure their presence is a safe space for not only themselves but for their clients as well. (Ethical Therapy)

Now that people are more aware of not only the different types of therapy but as the steps therapists take to ensure the client gets the best and safest experience. Therapy and other forms of treatment for mental health issues have gradually become more necessary and more talked about. As the world and our society undergo many points of change, our healthcare system will be altered along with it. Many strides have been made and will continue to be made in the realm of healthcare, but more specifically, in the realm of mental health care. Therapy is known to be a bit of a taboo topic, but our culture is changing with young minds constantly emerging. As Gen Z ages, their more open-minded perspectives in comparison to the generations that precede them will only contribute to the prevalence of therapy and the advocacy for access to it. Certain strenuous points in people’s lives often serve as strong reminders of the importance of awareness and vulnerability when it comes to theirs, or anyone’s, mental health. A good example of a strenuous point in many people’s lives in recent history is the COVID-19 pandemic. This pandemic showed many of us how quickly our physical health and external circumstances can change our moods and behaviors (Styx). That being said, it also reminded many how strong and resilient our minds can be when faced with situations like such (Styx). Due to the pandemic, as well as other topics and events, mental health has “taken a front seat in the mainstream of society,” (Styx). Many people finally started to realize the genuine importance of mental health, and the need for it to be taken seriously, due to the toll the pandemic took on them that they had to first-handedly experience. Online therapy is not the only technological practice that has become more popular over time; now, virtual reality is being used to allow different types of exposure therapies to take place. Patients often favor this approach because the headset ensures safety while still recreating triggering environments or experiences in order for them to come face to face with their issues and help them process the traumatic events that they have been through in the past. VR therapy isn’t necessarily new, but it has just scratched the surface of the potential it brings to the table. It  comes with many benefits, some being its affordability and its accessibility. Once a patient begins this type of treatment, they are expected to work through a program at their own pace (Styx). This ensures that when the patient is ready they can take steps they know they are ready for. 

Therapy is something that needs to be talked about much more. From this we have seen all the different types of therapy, the safety and regulations therapists take, and the overall benefits of therapy. Overall, the discussion of counseling should not be something to feel insecure or scared about. If you or someone you know are in need of help with mental health concerns, then you should try to pursue it. It’s your health and your happiness.