• Question: from your perspective how are the issues of mental health effect are generation?

    Asked by anon-215970 to Robert, Olly, Nicola, Jasmin, Dennis, Caroline on 8 Jun 2019.
    • Photo: Dennis Relojo-Howell

      Dennis Relojo-Howell answered on 8 Jun 2019:

      For those who are genuinely suffering with mental health issues, it becomes easier for them to talk about this. But on the one hand, there are also people who claim to have mental health issues – and there are also people who claim to be mental health advocates – because it’s trendy.

      Mental health is a massive issue. But it has also been glamourised that sometimes we wonder its authenticity.

    • Photo: Nicola Johnstone

      Nicola Johnstone answered on 8 Jun 2019:

      Things feel a lot more out in the open – and there’s much more support and recognition around. This is a positive thing and hopefully we’ll learn better how to support those who need it.

    • Photo: Robert Dempsey

      Robert Dempsey answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      This is a really good question Owen – I think there are lots of pressures that your generation is facing that older people like me didn’t as children! (I am in my early 30s… just in case you think I’m older!)

      I don’t know if there are more mental health issues for your generation compared to my generation… but I think there has been a change in how we talk about mental health and it feels like younger generations are more understanding and accepting of others (in general, but also in terms of mental health).

      We know that older age groups have some really poor outcomes for mental health issues (often people aged 40+), so it would be interesting to see how this changes over the next 10-20 years and if the rates of these issues go up/down…

    • Photo: Caroline Brett

      Caroline Brett answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      This is a really good question, OwenG – I was actually just talking to some colleagues about this last week!
      I agree with others’ answers – the positive thing for your generation is that people are much more open and honest about mental health, and this is a good thing as it means people can support each other better.
      At the same time, I do think that your generation does face quite a lot more pressure than previous generations. You’re also much more clued up about the world than my generation – I grew up without the internet and so all I worried about as a teenager were boys, friends, school, and family – my own little world. Now there is so much information out there that it can feel a bit overwhelming, and social media means it is difficult to get away from it all.
      Hopefully these two things cancel each other out as there is so much more support and information available on mental health difficulties and how to cope with them!

    • Photo: Jasmin Moon

      Jasmin Moon answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      Great question.
      From my perspective it is talked about a lot more now than it was when I was at school, which is a good thing as it helps people realise they are not alone and that it is ok to be feeling like they are.
      However it seems to me that young people face more pressure due to having 24/7 access to the internet, social media, news etc. which can be overwhelming.

    • Photo: Oliver Clabburn

      Oliver Clabburn answered on 10 Jun 2019:

      I’ve had a really good think about this question, OwenG. I think each generation has their own struggle which contribute to mental health. I think about when my Grandad first got a TV and was told by his Dad that it was a terrible thing! But, let’s just think about the various documentaries and news that he watched and learnt from… that’s not necessarily a bad thing? Of course, nowadays, we’ve all got lots more technology at our finger tips. I think that’s the biggest struggle, particularly for people in today’s generation. Growing up is really hard at the best of times, let alone when you’ve got the whole of Insta pushing stuff in your direction!

      It’s about finding out what makes you tick, and what makes you thrive…. then focus on that!! If you’re doing the things you enjoy, and when you’re not doing them, your exposed to them (online), then your mental health will thank you! For example, if you’re into football- play it with your mates, then watch stuff about how to improve your playing…. use the technologies to your advantage!

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