It has become more and more apparent that the mental health of the world has declined. Time says, “Almost a third of U.S. adults now report symptoms of either depression or anxiety, roughly three times as many as in 2019.” The causes of such a development have been noticed and mental health has risen to a place of utmost importance in society. Still, the problem persists.

The constant influx of media from sites like Facebook and TikTok has lessened people’s contact with the outside world, distancing people. According to the MIT Sloan School, “In total, the negative effect of Facebook on mental health appeared to be roughly 20% the magnitude of what is experienced by those who lose their job.” Socializing decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many only having direct contact with family. Many still haven’t moved on from the isolationist lifestyle of the pandemic, which has taken a huge toll on mental health. According to KFF, four in 10 adults said they had constant anxiety and depression during that time.

The sudden spike can also be attributed to more people opening up about the mental struggles they are experiencing. A much higher number of people have attended therapy and entire sites have been founded to help them. My Denver Therapy states that about 42 million Americans went to therapy in 2021 alone. When mental health began to get more attention, people opened up about their struggles. As more people opened up, more data was collected, and the spike came. Concern over mental health has made people with these issues more accepted. When someone has a problem, nowadays people try to address it and solve it. 

The world is constantly erupting with tragic events around an isolated population that has affected people. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza have made many worry for the future; that constant worrying has begun to fester within people. Stress overall and the overwhelming issues of violence, inflation, and simply trying to live have evidently gotten to people.

Mental health has been in decline due to the new social organization of the world, the opening up of people with these issues, and the terrible events happening everywhere. If you or someone you love are struggling with mental health, the Horizon Sun encourages you to seek help from a licensed professional. For help and hope, contact the Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336 (TEEN) or the national suicide hotline at 988.