Provocative Trend: Everyone Jumping on the Therapy Bandwagon?
Undergoing psychological treatment collectively?
In today's fast-paced world, 'I'm going to therapy' isn't a whisper but a common declaration, especially among the younger generations. Once considered a taboo topic, psychotherapy is experiencing a surge in popularity. But what's leading this transformation—an embrace of psychotherapy or an escalating pile of problems?
The digital age has us juggling professional success, personal relationships, and parenting, all while juggling the ever-increasing demands of our interconnected world. Add to that mounting concerns about retirement security, global crises, and pandemics, and it’s small wonder that pressure and mental strain are skyrocketing too.
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With stress levels peaking, psychotherapy demands are soaring. According to the German Association of Psychotherapists (BPtK), the number of people requiring treatment for mental health issues almost doubled over the past 20 years based on epidemiological studies. Each year, approximately 20 million individuals in Germany fall ill with a mental illness, as per a BPtK background paper on the future development of psychotherapeutic care from 2023. However, only 1.9 million mentally ill individuals receive outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment annually.
Seeking Help Quicker Than Ever Before
As the veil of secrecy surrounding psychotherapy lifts, it remains to be seen whether this is the sole reason behind the upward trend in people seeking therapeutic help or if more individuals are simply succumbing to mental illness. According to Dr. Johanna Thünker, a psychologist and psychotherapist from the German Association of Psychologists (BDP), "it's a bit of both." Although there has been a slight rise in the number of treatable mental disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises, it is not the case that suddenly many more people are falling ill with mental illness. Rather, more people who would have gone untreated in the past are now willing to seek help.
Unexpected Disorders: The New Norm in Adult Treatment
Certain mental disorders now appear in adulthood that were previously irrelevant in adult treatment. ADHD and autism are prime examples of these disorders, which typically manifest in childhood and adolescence but, contrary to previous beliefs, do not disappear in adulthood. ADHD was only recognized as a disorder in adulthood as recently as 2000. "This means we have a relatively large group of people who either were not diagnosed as children and are now receiving a diagnosis in adulthood, or who are now, unlike before, also receiving therapeutic support in adulthood, which they would not have received otherwise," explains Thünker.
Social Media and Destigmatization
Those active on social media will notice that mental health issues in adulthood, as well as other psychological disorders, are being discussed more openly than ever. This helps in destigmatizing mental illness and the act of seeking help, explains Thünker. "It helps to normalize both being mentally ill and seeking help. And that's certainly something that helps reach people who might not have known about psychotherapy otherwise." However, remember, psychotherapy is not a lifestyle product, as often claimed. "It's really, really rare for someone to come to us with a problem so small that we say they don't need help," warns Thünker. "The threshold is not that low that someone would just come for fun, like to a cosmetologist or something."
Instead, those affected often seek help years or even decades after the onset of a mental disorder—and that's far too late, cautions Thünker. "The longer you wait to seek help, the more a disorder becomes chronic. While psychotherapy can still help, it's then about damage control. However, if a severe disorder is treated relatively early, the chances of recovery are much greater."
Sources:
- ntv.de
- Psychotherapy, psychology, personality development
- In the digital age, where mental health issues are becoming increasingly common due to elevated stress levels and regional crises, vocational training in mental health strategies could be an integral part of a community policy, ensuring personal-growth and well-being for individuals.
- The destigmatization of mental health discussions occurring on social media platforms has created an environment of education-and-self-development, fostering a greater acceptance for seeking help. This enhancement in mental health dialogue aligns with the science of psychology, working towards creating a healthier society.
- As more individuals with mental disorders, such as ADHD and autism, are increasingly being diagnosed in adulthood, the need for vocational training in healthcare and vocational training in the field of psychology becomes essential. This training can aid in early detection and treatment of these disorders, promoting mental health and overall community wellness.
