The Mental Health Struggle for MillennialsOur nation is facing a mental health crisis. Based on new research findings, Millennials are grappling with significant mental health issues, however they are not alone. Millions of Americans are affected by a mental health condition, and every year we are seeing more individuals suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. It’s likely most of us have struggled with our mental health at some point in our lives or have known someone who has been affected. This struggle greatly affects both personal and professional relationships, and without help, the condition will likely only get worse.
As we enter Brain Awareness Week, Total Brain, announces new research that shows that 76% of 18-34 year olds admit they are struggling with their mental health, but only 1 in 4 currently receives professional help. Additionally, more than 1 in 3 18-54 year olds say anxiety or depression causes them to be mentally unproductive at work and more than half of 18-34 year olds have severe or moderate mental fatigue. Unlike physical health concerns which are often clearly visible, mental health conditions may not be as easy to notice.
In the work environment, employees often accept stress and anxiety as part of the job and may not realize they need to seek out help. Additionally, companies are not doing enough to educate their employees and provide the mental health support needed to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which in turn means employees are unfocused and less productive in the office. After all, the wellness of a person is based on both the physical and mental stability. Achieving the best performance, productivity and innovative thinking often comes from overall healthy person, which is why it’s imperative to place a greater emphasis on mental wellness in our society. Americans shouldn’t be deprived of the resources they need to improve their mental health. In fact, individuals who seek to improve their mental health are often happier, have increased memory and focus, and can even reduce the overall healthcare costs for the organization. Focusing on their mental health also means they are less likely to experience physical health issues as well. We have a collaborative responsibility to take part in minimizing the effects of the mental health struggles the Millennial generation is facing. With more organizations recognizing mental health as an area that needs to be brought to attention, more individuals will be provided with the much-needed resources to improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. Survey Methodology: Based on a 2019 study conducted by Total Brain and The PARAGRAPH Project among a representative general population sample of 1,008 people age 18+. This article was created and provided by Total Brain. 
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About Dr. Tchiki DavisDr. Davis is the founder of The Berkeley Well-Being Institute. After getting her PhD in psychology at UC Berkeley, she started building online courses, apps, and products to boost well-being—products that have reached more than a million people. Now an author at Psychology Today, The Greater Good Science Center, and Shine Text, Dr. Davis's expertise on how to boost well-being reaches people all across the world.
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