Millennials and Therapy

In the last few years, millennials are not only seeking out methods of self-growth like therapy and coaching but have also helped fight some of the social stigmas around mental health care. Millennials are often referred to as the “therapy generation.”

Mental health is becoming less taboo and more of a serious topic and consideration for young adults. Facing trauma and learning coping mechanisms to handle life at your best is becoming the new normal. Millennials are not willing to accept things as they are. They seek methods for personal growth through self-awareness, problem-solving, and self-care. While growing up in the dawn of the internet, millennials know how to research, meaning they are constantly educating themselves on the impact of mental health care.

Unlike past generations, millennials are seeking help with everyday problems they face. Rather than only seeing a professional for a diagnosis and consistent treatment, temporary coaching and therapy are acceptable no matter your mental status.  

Why Millennials Are More Likely to Seek Help

Millennials are anyone born between 1981 and 1996. Some stereotypes linked to this generation are that they are entitled, spoiled, too sensitive, narcissistic, and self-obsessed. However, this often criticized generation is also one of the most inclusive, ecologically minded, and philanthropic in history. That doesn’t leave them without struggles.

Millennials have experienced an abundant increase in poverty and psychiatric disorders over previous generations. Along with increasing student loans and decreasing affordable housing, many people feel hopeless about their futures. These struggles have pushed millennials to seek therapy regardless of judgment. 

This generation of young adults gets a lot more out of seeking help because they are not as guarded or ashamed as previous generations. They want to improve themselves and are proud to take those steps. 

What Are Millennials Seeking Care For?

Some of the most common complaints or worries from millennials in therapy are:

• Anxiety and depression

• Self-esteem issues and acceptance

• Student loan debt and financial insecurity

• Unemployment

• Technology

The impact these problems have on millennials is intense. With growing competitiveness in the job market specifically, millennials have increased anxiety about their finances and futures. For this, millennials often reach out for help to reduce that anxiety and find ways to take control of such unknowns. 

Although traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is common, millennials often seek out shorter-term help in the form of coaching. Rather than receiving a diagnosis and treatment, a coach works with the client to navigate their current problems and find solutions. It is a step up from self-help but a step down from therapy. 

Millennials and Social Media

Millennials grew up in a simpler time without everyone being glued to their phones and computers. They went to play outside with their friends and rented movies at a store. However, during their most vulnerable years, the world changed drastically. Not only did technology boom, but so did social media. As many millennials were teens and young adults, social media took over their lives, leaving them to compare themselves to others and have constant contact with the world. 

Studies have even proved that millennials’ increased engagement with social media leads to negative outlooks and an increased risk of depression. The most used app among the generation, Instagram, contributes to anxiety and depression, bullying, body image issues, and the fear of missing out. Millennials are aware of such impacts. They sense it and are self-aware, which is why they are more likely to seek mental health treatment. 

Mental Health’s Impact on Millennials

Millennials are not just seeking wellness journeys but are benefiting from them too. Through therapy and guided treatments, they develop life skills they previously felt they were lacking. On top of mental health treatment for depression and anxiety, they find a balance between their social and professional lives with one-on-one coaching. They face relationship struggles, learn more positive parenting methods, and address their emotional and physical health. 

Millennials are using therapy as a tool to improve their mindset. They want to do their best and reduce their negative thoughts. They are open to learning. Millennials want to develop all the skills they can to succeed in life, whether through body movement, nutrition, relationships, or guided care with a professional.

Millennials may get a bad reputation but have used therapy to develop coping mechanisms to live their best lives. They are more outspoken and prone to sharing their emotions with their family, friends, and partners. Using the tools at their disposal allows them to grow. 

This generation of adults has declined to accept life as it once was. They want things to be better, so they take active steps to control their lives. They don’t want to be miserable in their job or have an unhappy relationship. Taking advantage of therapy has provided them with those capabilities.

Millennials are often seen as entitled or needy, but really, they are proactive go-getters. They have dealt with a lot of challenges no other generation can imagine. Facing social media as teens, navigating the economy and student loans, as well as just living life, can be a lot to handle. Even without additional mental health concerns, millennials are open to seeking help for their struggles. They want to achieve their goals and accept the support available to them. At SokyaHealth, we provide customized care and guidance for all age groups, but millennials tend to reach out the most. We offer more traditional therapies, one-on-one coaching, self-care guidance, and supportive group therapy. Our methods are proven, and with more than 100 years of experience across our care team, we promote overall wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. Call us today at (877) 840-6956 to learn more about our services.