There is no doubt that mental health issues are having an enormous effect on the general public to such an extent that the vast majority of people will be either suffering themselves or know someone who is.
The last two years have put even more strain on everyone regarding mental health. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the more common mental health issues that are affecting so many people.
Anxiety
Anxiety can be described as a constant underlying fear which ranges from being mild to extreme. This can be overwhelming for a lot of people.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 18% of adults in the US suffer from anxiety disorders.
There are different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia and other specific phobias. Symptoms of anxiety can include:
- feeling restless or irritable
- having a sense of impending danger or doom
- having trouble sleeping
- sweating
- racing heart
- shallow breathing
Anxiety disorders can be treated with medication and/or therapy. If you are suffering from anxiety, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Depression
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life. Symptoms of depression can include:
- persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
- difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- appetite changes
- fatigue
Depression can also lead to physical health problems such as headaches, digestive issues and chronic pain, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help.
Depression is treatable, and there are many resources available to those who need help. With the right treatment and support, people with depression can lead full and productive lives.
Stress
Stress is a psychological and physical response to an external event or stimulus, which is characterized by changes in hormone levels, heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.
The body’s response to stress is designed to protect us from danger, but when it is constantly activated, it can have negative effects on our mental and physical health.
Symptoms of stress include feeling anxious, irritable or depressed and having trouble sleeping as well as experiencing gastrointestinal problems, or engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. Chronic stress can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes and depression.
There are several ways to manage stress. Exercise and relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help to reduce the body’s response to stress. Counseling or therapy can also be helpful in managing stress by teaching coping mechanisms and providing support. Make sure to consult with a mental health professional if you are experiencing chronic stress or if stress is impacting your daily life.
Mental health in business
Mental health issues within the workforce can have a devastating impact on businesses. The cost of downtime, lost productivity and legal liabilities can be significant. It is therefore crucial for businesses to have a plan in place to deal with mental health concerns, as with any other HR issues.
There are several steps that businesses can take to ensure the well-being of their employees. These include:
- Establishing a clear policy on mental health and well-being
- Providing training for employees on how to identify and support colleagues in distress
- Having a plan in place for dealing with mental health emergencies
- Ensuring that employees have access to appropriate support and resources
Mental health and Generation Z
Generation Z, also known as Gen Zers, are people born between the years of 1997 and 2012. They are digital natives who have grown up with technology at their fingertips. This generation is often called “screenagers” because they spend a lot of time in front of screens – on smartphones, laptops and tablets. They are also social media savvy, with many using platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram to stay connected with friends.
This generation is very different from its predecessors – Generation X and the Baby Boomers. For one, Gen Zers are much more diverse, with 43% coming from minority groups. They are also more likely to have parents who are divorced or have never married at all. Perhaps most notably, they are the first generation to be raised entirely in the digital age.
All these factors have shaped Gen Zers into a unique generation with its own set of values and beliefs. They are more open-minded than previous generations, with nearly 20% of them identifying as something other than heterosexual.
When it comes to their beliefs about work, Gen Zers are very ambitious. They want to make a difference in the world and are willing to work hard to do so. In fact, 54% of them say that they would like to start their own business one day.
Despite being digital natives, Gen Zers still crave face-to-face interaction. They want to work with people they can trust and feel comfortable around. Although they are independent, they also value teamwork and collaboration.
All these factors have led many experts to believe that Gen Zers will be a powerful force in the workforce. They are already making waves in the business world, with companies such as Google and Facebook scrambling to appeal to this demographic.
Bearing this in mind, there are certain signs that someone from the Generation Z age group may be struggling with their mental health, including:
- withdrawing from friends and activities they used to enjoy
- sudden changes in mood or behavior
- difficulty concentrating or paying attention
- feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless
- engaging in risky behaviors
- self-harming or thoughts of suicide
Taking care of our mental health is something that we all need to do. This is especially true for young people who may not even realize they are struggling. If you are concerned about a young person in your life, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer your support.
Alternative solutions for mental health problems
Gone are the days when pharmaceutical drugs were the only solution for mental health problems, even though it would be fair to say that conventional medicine has continued to evolve over the years.
It is not only Gen Z who are more inclined to choose alternative solutions that can often prove to be more effective.
Mindful meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a form of mindfulness that is widely practiced in the western world. Mindfulness is defined as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally”.
Meditation has been shown to be an effective tool in treating various mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. A review of 47 clinical trials found that mindfulness meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and pain.
There are many different types of meditation, but mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular and there are several excellent apps and websites available that basically walk you through the process.
Breathing exercises
Mental health issues can be extremely tough to deal with. Fortunately, there are many coping mechanisms that can help. Breathing exercises are one such method that can assist in managing mental health problems.
Breathing exercises work by helping to regulate the autonomic nervous system. This system controls involuntary processes in the body such as heart rate and blood pressure. When it is out of balance, it can lead to physical and mental health issues.
There are many different breathing exercises that can be used for mental health issues. One simple exercise is to focus on your breath while breathing in and breathing out.
Box breathing is another highly effective technique where you breath in for the count of four, hold your breath for the count of four and exhale for the count of four.
Breathing exercises can be extremely helpful in managing mental health issues by reducing the physical symptoms associated with stress such as high blood pressure and rapid breathing.
They are simple to do and can be done anywhere. If you are struggling with mental health issues, give breathing exercises a try. They just might help you find some relief.
Yoga
Yoga can be an effective tool for managing mental health issues. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. Yoga can also help to improve mood and increase energy levels by focusing the mind on the present moment, allowing individuals to clear their minds and in effect, forget their problems.
There is a growing body of research that supports the use of yoga for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD. Yoga can be an effective complement to traditional medical treatment. If you are considering using yoga for mental health, it is important to consult with your doctor or mental health professional first.
When choosing a yoga class, it is important to find a teacher who is experienced in teaching yoga and who you feel comfortable with.
You don’t have to mention that you are experiencing problems with your mental health if you don’t want to, especially if you would prefer to keep it to yourself, but you should be able to see the benefits of yoga after only a few sessions.
Counseling
Mental health counseling can provide support and guidance if you’re struggling with mental health issues. Counseling can help you understand your thoughts and feelings, develop healthy coping skills and make positive changes in your life.
If you’re considering mental health counseling, it’s important to choose a counselor who is experienced and qualified to treat mental health conditions. Make sure you also ask about the counselor’s approach to treatment and whether they use evidence-based treatments, make sure you are happy it is the best approach for you
Evidence-based treatments are those that have been proven to be effective in scientific research studies. Some common evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
Mental health counseling can be helpful for treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re struggling with a mental health condition, don’t hesitate to seek help from a qualified mental health counselor.
Becoming a Generation Z councilor
Gen Z mental health is an increasingly popular topic because the young people’s well-being will inform future workforce needs and how we care for them as they grow up.
The pandemic increased demand in comparison to previous years, which led to many mental health professionals receiving more referrals than ever before and this trend is set to continue due to the aftermath of lockdown.
The future for Gen Z councilors
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what the future holds for mental health counselors, as the field is constantly evolving and changing to meet the needs of those who seek its services.
However, it is safe to say that mental health counseling will continue to grow in popularity and importance in the years to come.
This growth is likely due to a number of factors, including the increasing awareness of mental health issues and the reduction in stigma surrounding them. This has led to more people seeking help for their mental health concerns.
As mental health counseling becomes more mainstream, it is likely that more insurance providers will begin to cover its costs, making it more accessible to those who need it.
Additionally, new technologies and treatments are always being developed, which means that mental health counselors will need to keep up with the latest advancements in order to best serve their clients. The future looks bright for mental health counselors, and it is clear that they will continue to play a vital role in the lives of those who need their help.
Gen Z counseling earnings potential
Mental health counselors are typically paid according to a set pay scale. This pay scale is determined by several factors, including the type of position, the location of the job and the employer.
In most cases, mental health counselors earn a salary that is based on their experience and education level. The average annual salary for a mental health counselor is $40,000. However, salaries can range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year.
Mental health counselors who work in private practices typically earn more than those who work in other settings. This is because they are able to set their own fees. Private practice mental health counselors typically charge $100 or more per hour for their services. Counselors who work in government or non-profit organizations typically earn less than those in private practice. However, they may receive benefits that private practice counselors do not, such as health insurance and retirement plans.
Mental health counselors can also earn additional income through royalties or licensing fees. Royalties are earned when a counselor’s work is published, such as in a book or an article. Licensing fees are earned when a counselor uses their name or likeness to promote a product or service. For example, a mental health counselor might license their name to be used on a line of mental health products.
Graduates typically receive training in many different areas, including psychology, counseling and social work. Mental health counselors must also complete a supervised internship before they can begin practicing. Most states additionally require mental health counselors to pass a state-recognized examination.
If you are thinking about becoming a mental health counselor, it is important to consider all the different factors that will affect your salary. These factors include your experience, education and the type of employer you choose to work for. With the right training and experience, you can earn a good salary as a mental health counselor.
It is obviously imperative that you choose a first class online Master’s or Bachelor’s Program in counseling. An online counseling program offered by the highly reputable St Bonaventure University, is a perfect place to gain a degree whilst still working full-time in your current job. A degree like this can provide you with the skills to help younger people with their mental wellness – recent Gen Z mental health statistics have shown an exponential rise in the number of referrals being received by mental health professionals.
For those who are interested in helping people and earning a great living at the same time, an online master’s degree of this nature would be highly recommended.
Conclusion
The sad fact of the matter is that mental health issues are on the rise and show no signs of slowing down.
The pandemic and resulting worries about what may or may not happen in the future regarding further outbreaks means that some people are constantly anxious.
Additionally, the global economy is struggling to recover and there are various issues concerning the cost of living, so lack of money is yet another thing to worry about.
People are struggling with their mental health, so the demand for suitably qualified mental health counselors has increased dramatically. Anyone who is looking to get involved in a caring profession, with superb prospects, should definitely make further investigations as to whether this is a suitable career for them.
