Now, I don't want to date myself here, but I have to say, I don't fit into either of these categories, despite that I don't look a day over 21 (tehe). There is something about these two categories of generations that are doing something different when it comes to mental health. Like, seriously.
Let's talk about what they "know" as it pertains to mental health care for millenials.
Generation Z (born roughly between 1997 and 2012) has grown up in an era where mental health awareness and education have gained significant traction. They are more likely to have been exposed to discussions about mental health in schools, media, and through online resources. Millenials have come up in a time that has become hyperfocused on having a psychologist...social worker...therapist...and even NP's attached to the school system. And I know. I used to be a teacher back in the day... Being raised in Colorado, I remember when Columbine happened, and how it changed how parents dropped their kids off at school. Before then, there were no drills...no conversations had in the car with my mom about what I would do if there was an active shooter. Best believe, we started having the conversations after.
All the Gen Z folks....nodding their heads... For the rest of us, it was very interesting to see the spark in concern for what we didn't know that people....teens.... could be capable of.
As a result, there was a surge in practicing conversations with kids and teens about what to do if they experience a bully..or a threat...because we have to. Social media has given rise to some amazing features. It has also cloaked heckler in anonymity. I love watching Tik-tok. What I enjoy (secretly) is looking at comments on my favorite videos and cruising through what people have to say. Most of the time, I see people who I assume are my age range..from tiny picture bubbles... vibing with the story. No threats. No calling people out. But then there are the times where I do see someone completely attempt to obliterate the posting party. And I mean....they get downright cruel.
And what do I do?
Nothing.
Maybe a thumbs down...
But that's it.
I scroll to the next video. I can count on my fingers how many times I have actually responded to a post of a post and defended the poster. I guess I feel like it's essentially like arguing with a ghost. Can you really chastise someone who you can't see and don't know? This anonymity, is it cruel? Or liberating?
And what is it doing for anxiety?
That saying, "If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.." does it even apply anymore? This Gen Z crew has put a vibrance in being outspoken...but does it have a cost?
Both generations have benefited from increased accessibility to mental health resources such as hotlines, online counseling platforms, and mental health apps. Generation Z, having been more actively engaged in digital spaces, might be more inclined to seek help online or outside of their family doctor. They're seeking the help of professionals and normalizing getting help. And they're passing that down..
So, how is this affecting Alpha? Generation Alpha, being very young currently (no offense Alphas!), will likely benefit from the evolving understanding and support systems established by Generation Z. Kind of like paving a way. Gen Z's familiarity with technology has made it easier to find information about mental health and resources for support. This trend is expected to continue with Generation Alpha, who are growing up in an even more technologically integrated world. My child can lock my phone and change the language to Arabic. And she's not even one yet.
I've treat adults, young adults, and children. I am seeing a trend of children telling their parents when they aren't feeling "right" or getting stressed out, or feeling more sad. I've been surprised to see the little ones climb into a chair across from me in the office and be able to tell me about what happened at school the other day and how it upset them. The articulation of these Alphas is kind of amazing. What I do want to curtail is this concern that every child should be medicated who has stress, anxiety, or issues with focus. I say this because there is no pill for every ill. At some point, we want the litte ones to establish grit. So it's a delicate balance right? We want to establish that they can seek treatment for something....but still fight for betterment on their own.
So I say, cheers to the Alphas...Z'ers you're not doing too shabby. Keep carrying the torch for mental health greatness.
Sip sip..
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