mental health is health

SRIYA SIRIGIREDDY – “We envisage a society in which mental health problems are an acceptable and in some ways, a valued part of the human experience” 

– Slade, Oades, & Jarden: 2017

In the realm of media, the term “mental health” has morphed into an aspect of the youth human experience that is influenced by strong societal forces. Although it is easy to convey that mental health is important, it is worth noting that it is often not awarded the same priority in the holistic review of the health of a young person. Oftentimes, questions regarding mental well-being are overlooked in lieu of the preventative purpose these questions have. It is becoming increasingly clear that for patients of all demographics, accessible resources and persistence in having regular discussions regarding mental health are yet to be treated as truly “important”. 

In terms of national recognition of the youth mental health crisis, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the current U.S Surgeon General, has shared his support for integrating youth mental health into the nation’s healthcare model. The Current Priorities of the U.S Surgeon General now includes a Youth Mental Health Advisory and an extensive Public Health Report which highlight how the mental health of marginalized young people is a glaring opportunity for action. Social media is denoted to be the focal point of the advisory – underscoring the idea that communication gaps between the public and the youth are currently fueling the misunderstanding when it comes to youth well-being. 

It is evident that social media has grown into an all-encompassing medium for connection amongst the youth for a myriad of purposes. These purposes include content which can evoke a sense of visibility and conformation which can assist in feelings of acceptance in society. On the other end of the wide-array of information found on social media, young people are often exposed to harmful content which can be emotionally detrimental. The prevalence of negative influence that social media is able to have across the youth population requires a “multifaceted approach” which focuses on proactive efforts that can be implemented by policymakers, technology companies, researchers, parents, and children. From supporting media literacy to reaching out to a friend in need, there are definitive steps to be taken in answering the cry for safeguarding our future generations by means of protecting youth mental health. Until then, it is up to us to continue destigmatizing conversations surrounding mental health action and education. 

For more information on the youth mental health crisis, visit the Current Priorities of the U.S Surgeon General’s Advisory: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/youth-mental-health/index.html

Copy Editor – Dione Geiling

Photography Source – https://blog.f1000.com/2021/05/12/mental-health-awareness-week-2021-exploring-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-mental-health-and-the-use-of-drama-for-community-engagement/