*The opinions expressed within the content are solely the author’s and do not reflect the website’s or its affiliates’ opinions and beliefs.
Although therapy has existed for thousands of years in history using evidence from Egyptian and Greek writing, the idea was still considered taboo until recent years. Studies found that the reasoning behind this stigma was that society normalized joking about emotions, shunning them as a form of vulnerability. As a result of this fear, many individuals who may have significantly benefited from therapy did not reach out to get help. In recent years, however, therapy has been seen by many as a proactive step toward achieving self-realization and acceptance, healing traumas and creating healthy relationships. This shift is transforming mental health norms and correcting the precedent set by previous generations.
Millennials and Gen Z are pioneers in the movement to normalize therapy through their open discussion of challenges. Compared to the older generations, the newer generations have intertwined therapy with social justice. Older generations have been focused on the individual, working with each patient in isolation. However, Millennials and Gen Z have brought a new perspective of collective well-being; that is to say, the latest generations recognize and prioritize challenges prevalent in society. Recent data confirms that these approaches are successful, with 55 percent of Millennials and Gen Z having gone to a therapist at least once. Out of those 55 percent, 83 percent openly speak about their therapy to others; this communication happens across many platforms, but social media stands out as one. Apps such as TikTok, Snapchat and X have allowed people to share their experiences with therapy by recommending therapists and destigmatizing these discussions. As a result, therapy has begun to be viewed as a beacon of emotional growth.
Along with the contributions of the new generations, the understanding of therapy has gone from crisis management to growth. Traditionally, therapy was sought to address acute challenges such as depression, anxiety or trauma. While therapy does these things, it is primarily a proactive approach to emotional and personal development. One example would be how therapy can help people understand their emotional and thought patterns, allowing them to live more fulfilling lives. Additionally, therapy is a safe space. Oftentimes, personal thoughts may be suppressed due to the pressures of daily life. However, with therapy, people can explore things about themselves and reflect on aspects of their lives.
Lastly, therapy has the potential to break intergenerational influence. Intergenerational influence refers to the idea that trauma, behaviors and emotional patterns can be passed from one generation to the next. Due to the various types of therapy and the overall diversity, these deep-seated influences can be addressed. For instance, family therapy allows people to explore their family histories, allowing them to recognize unhealthy inherited behaviors. Therapy uses strategies such as mindfulness, narratives and professional counseling to help deal with these challenges.
Some may argue that therapy is a form of overtreatment and is unnecessary for those who have friends or family who they can rely on. They say that friends and family are part of one’s support system and know the individual better than most others. However, friends and family are often not professionally trained. It also places unnecessary pressure on one’s friends and family, potentially straining the relationship. The progress in destigmatizing therapy has opened the door for meaningful dialogue about mental health and emotional well-being across generations. By embracing therapy as a resource, society is investing significantly in collective growth and resilience, ensuring a future where emotional health is prioritized as much as physical health.
