Have therapists become the new norm in modern society?

Breaking the Silence: Everyone's Embracing Therapy Nowadays

Undergoing Psychotherapy Collectively?

Once a hush-hush topic, therapy is no longer a taboo – it's becoming commonplace. Millennials and younger generations are flocking to therapy centers, seeking help for burnout, depression, anxiety, and more. But what's fueling this trend? Are we simply more open to psychotherapy, or is the world placing increasingly heavier demands on our mental health?

"I'm going to therapy." A phrase that, during prior generations, would have been whispered, can now be heard louder and clearer among the younger crowds. Yet, what might appear as a sudden embrace of mental health support is actually an amalgamation of societal evolution, modern-day pressures, and unprecedented global crises.

The Digital Decade: AI as a Psychotherapist - The Next Level? Pressure and mental strain have never been higher, and with this increase comes the demand for psychotherapy. According to Germany's Association of Psychotherapists (BPtK), the need has nearly doubled in the last 20 years based on epidemiological studies. Each year, around 20 million people in Germany develop a mental illness, BPtK explains in a background paper on the further development of psychotherapeutic care from 2023. However, only approximately 1.9 million of these suffering individuals receive outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment annually.

Yet, the reputation of psychotherapy as the premier treatment option for mental illness has grown significantly. In the early 1990s, only 54.7% of respondents believed that psychotherapy should be recommended for the treatment of depression. In stark contrast, by 2001, that figure had risen to 70%, and by 2018, a survey by the German Depression Aid Foundation revealed that this belief had surged to a massive 94%.

Faster Helpline: Modern Ailment, Modern Approach

Psychology Today: The Disappearing Mental Health Taboo? The once-shrouded silence around psychotherapy is beginning to dissipate – partially, but not solely, due to the increasing number of people who find themselves grappling with mental health challenges. Dr. Johanna Thünker of the German Association of Psychologists (BDP) explains in an interview with ntv.de that—while there has undoubtedly been a marginal increase in the number of treatable mental disorders, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises—the actual number of people falling ill hasn't notably increased. Instead, it is the prevalence of those seeking timely help that has dramatically changed.

Dr. Thünker highlights that those who have long needed support are now more eager to claim it. This willingness to seek help extends beyond just Millennials and Gen Z – even the 60/70-plus generation is starting to seek help, albeit not in large numbers as of yet. Their motivated approach can be attributed to increased awareness, recommendations from general practitioners, and the realization that psychotherapy is not something to be ashamed of.

More Than Child's Play: Unveiling ADHD in Adults Another factor contributing to the rising number of people seeking therapy is the growing recognition of disorders previously thought to exist only in childhood, such as ADHD and autism. In fact, ADHD was only recognized as a disorder in adulthood as recently as 2000. "This means that we have a relatively large group of people who either were not diagnosed as children or were not diagnosed at all, or who are now receiving therapeutic support in adulthood that they otherwise would not have," says Dr. Thünker.

Redefining Mental Health through TikTok The destigmatization of mental health can also be observed in the social media realm, where platforms like TikTok are becoming spaces for open discussions about disorders like ADHD in adulthood and other mental health issues. These discussions help to normalize the idea that getting help for mental health challenges is a valid step, empowering individuals who might have never considered taking that step in the past. However, as Dr. Thünker emphasizes, therapy remains far from being a lifestyle choice, as some may claim. "The threshold [for seeking help] is not low that someone would just come for fun, like to a beautician or something," she cautions.

Instead, therapy is sought by those who have grappled with their mental health problems for years or even decades, long past the time when professional help would have made a significant impact. "The longer you wait to seek help," warns Dr. Thünker, "the more a disorder becomes chronic. While psychotherapy can still help, it’s then about damage control." But if a severe disorder is treated relatively early, the chances of recovery are significantly higher.

Sources: ntv.de

Topics: Psychotherapy Psychology Personality Development

Insights

Increased Acceptance of Psychotherapy: Shifts in societal attitudes, reduced stigma, and better awareness have contributed to the growing acceptance of psychotherapy.
Rise in Mental Health Challenges: Global events and the digital world play crucial roles in influencing mental health challenges. Unprecedented global crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, exacerbate anxiety and depression, while the digital world, including social media, both helps and hinders mental health.
Impact on Therapy Demand: The increased acceptance of psychotherapy and the rise in mental health challenges have led to a higher demand for psychotherapy services, necessitating more mental health professionals and accessible counseling options.
The embrace of therapy among younger generations isn't just a sudden trend; it's rooted in societal evolution, modern-day pressures, and global crises.
As mental health becomes increasingly recognized as crucial, there's a growing need for psychotherapy in various fields, including science, health-and-wellness, and even vocational training, with AI potentially playing a role in this new level of psychology.