Dealing with generation gaps in mental health understanding

Written By Lee Wanyi

We often hear terms like “Boomers” and “Gen Z” to label the different generations based on the period we were born in, and along with that come certain behavioural assumptions. However, experts have cautioned against stereotyping. While there are generational differences that can be keenly felt, there are also similarities that we all share. It would be more helpful then to understand “generational change broadly as a process that is shaped by shared historical context”, as put forth by sociologist Shannon Ang. 

How can we then do the same for the topic of mental health? 

Attitudes towards mental health across generations 

An article published in 2023 interviewed a representative from one of the following generational groups: “Gen X”, “Millennials,” and “Gen Z” on their views of mental health. The “Gen X” interviewee felt a remarkable change in attitudes toward mental health for the better. He shared that the topic of mental health used to be a “taboo subject” and the person seeking help would be labelled as a “cuckoo person”. However, people are “more sympathetic and more understanding” as they become more aware.

Lack of education and cultural values are often cited as key reasons for the stigma against mental health, especially among the older generation. For Chinese Singaporeans, admitting to having a mental health condition is seen as a loss of ‘face’, which makes them feel weak. Spiritual beliefs also play a significant role in how mental health is understood. Mental health conditions can be interpreted as a punishment for their misdeeds or as karma within the Chinese and Indian communities. For the Malay-Muslim community, mental health issues can be seen as a result of a lack of faith. 

However, things are changing as more seniors become aware of dementia and depression through communication channels like articles and education initiatives by Family Social Services, although many times, they remain reluctant to talk about their issues or chalk their symptoms up to old age, illustrating the persistence of stigma against mental health. 

In contrast, the younger generations are seen to be more willing to initiate discussions about mental health due to early exposure through school education and the function of social media as both a repository of information and a communal space. Portrayal of the topic through media and public figures has helped to accord equal importance to mental health as physical health. 

Yet, youths (from ages 18 to 29) are reported to be the largest group encountering mental health issues, facing stressors from the highly competitive academic scene and “a sense of isolation and inadequacy” in a rapidly developing world. Despite growing awareness of mental health, the “Gen Z” interviewee from this article believed that more can be done and observed a fear towards seeking treatment, while some remain concerned about how it would affect their chances at employment. 

Approaches to bridge the gap

Several articles have been written about bridging the gaps in mental health understanding between generations. A key commonality across these approaches has been to conduct an open conversation about mental health to foster a greater understanding of the topic. Methods to facilitate such discussions include the sharing of personal stories and views about mental health in a safe space and communicating through a common language of emotions and values. We also need to understand the impact that the environment in which individuals grew up in shaping their thoughts towards mental health. Keeping these possible differences in mind, we should learn to put ourselves in the shoes of others and conduct these dialogues with inquisitiveness.

Other approaches described are on a macro level, like educational programmes and policy changes. In a study carried out by the Institute of Mental Health in 2022, mental health literacy increased across Singapore due to the involvement of various stakeholders, like the media, government bodies, and advocacy groups.

Technology can be seen as a tool to educate the different generations on mental health through their preferred communication platform. Social media is one example and has been instrumental in imparting knowledge about mental health. However, we also need to be mindful of the negatives of social media, including encountering hurtful remarks and instilling impractical expectations in youths. 

No one-size-fit-all solution 

To have such discussions, it takes time to cultivate a strong relationship to enact change. It is crucial to set boundaries and detach from the conversation to protect yourself when it is clear that it is not working as well as intended. Everyone is unique, and no one-size-fits-all solution exists. We can craft our approach to the person we are talking to accordingly. 

Although mental health literacy has increased, stigma against mental health persists across different age groups. It is thus a never-ending work to initiate conversations about mental health to close the gaps and continue to educate the masses about mental health through various targeted initiatives, be it the young or the old.

References:

Lee Wanyi
Previous

Building and maintaining healthy relationships based on your attachment style
Next

Just Breathe. Just Be.—Detaching Self-worth from Success.