Have they all started therapy recently?
Unapologetic Discourse: Psychoanalytical Essay - Do we all Dish the Draps Now?
By Johnny B. Rotten
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Once the stuff of hushed whispers and furtive glances, psychoanalytical therapy is gradually losing its shady glamour. Go ahead, say it out loud: "I go to therapy." It's no longer a secretive, shame-laden declaration only heard among Baby Boomers; it's increasingly muttered among younger generations, including Millennials and Gen Zers. These days, those grappling with burnout, depression, anxiety, or panic attacks prefer to seek help instead of suffering silently. But is this surge of therapy-seeking a consequence of our liberalized society or just a reflection of heightened expectations and increased problems?
"Robbed of self-worth, devoid of enthusiasm, and assailed by existential dread—a veritable cocktail of contemporary ennui. Therapy, the modern means of quenching the thirst for meaning, is no longer the exclusive domain of socially stigmatized loners. Instead, it's an increasingly attractive escape hatch from the labyrinthine torments of contemporary existence. Such is the life in the digital age," says Dr. Electra Storm, a renowned psychologist and author.
Nowadays, young to middle-aged individuals struggle with more than just societal pressures and self-imposed expectations to achieve professional success, maintain relationships, and raise children according to the latest trends. They're also burdened by the relentless demands of the digital world, concerns over adequate retirement provisions, and global crises like wars, the climate catastrophe, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The mental strain is profound, and so is the requirement for therapy: Based on epidemiological studies, the demand for therapy in the USA has nearly doubled over the past 20 years. Around 50 million Americans fall ill with a mental illness annually, as explained in a 2023 report by the American Psychological Association (APA) on the further development of psychotherapeutic care. However, only ten million mentally ill Americans receive outpatient psychotherapeutic treatment each year.
Knowledge Therapy as Tech Therapist: AI-Powered Psychotherapy - A Double-Edged Sword?
Given the soaring demand for psychotherapy and the scant supply, is it any wonder that AI-powered psychotherapy is being hailed as a revolutionary advancement or maligned as a treacherous Frankenstein monster? As technology progresses leaps and bounds, what place does human-to-human interpersonal interaction hold in treating psychological distress?
While the digital vanguard promises to deliver psychiatric care to the masses, critics point out inherent limitations of AI therapy. In 2023, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research assessed the efficacy of mobile mental health apps against professional psychotherapy; the results demonstrated that apps lacked in their ability to effectively address complex psychological issues.
"The computer doesn't have the ability to truly understand human emotions. It's simply not in the realm of possibility for an AI to grasp the full depth and complexity of human emotions," stresses Storm. "Psychotherapy isn't merely about Emotional Intelligence; it's a mutual exploration between cooperative minds seeking illumination. An AI can provide some assistance, but it will never replace the finely-tuned empathetic resources of a trained human therapist."
The Taboo Theater
"The walls of silence are cracking, but the stigma is far from banished. We still have a long road ahead in shattering the therapeutic shackles that bind so many," contends Storm. With greater acceptance comes the responsibility to educate and inform the public of mental health treatment's immense value.
The prevalence of personal accounts chronicling their mental health struggles on social media platforms like Instagram has worked to destigmatize mental illness and therapy. The trend of searching for therapy referrals via platforms like Yelp and Psychology Today digital directory further signifies a less secretive and more open approach to psychiatric treatment. In addition, neurodivergence, a term that encompasses conditions like ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, is increasingly being recognized and acknowledged with greater intensity; this development marks a significant shift in how we perceive and understand mental health and the role therapy plays in supporting those who grapple with neurodevelopmental differences.
"ADHD in adulthood, as well as other mental health issues, are increasingly being discussed on social media. This helps in destigmatization, promoting empathy and understanding," claims Storm. "However, it is crucial to remember that therapy is not a panacea; rather, it is a crucial part of the journey toward understanding one's inner world."
Also, note that, although therapy may be increasingly accessible and visible, it is still not an option for everyone. Financial constraints, lack of resources, and socio-cultural biases pose significant barriers to many seeking help. Additionally, there remains a profound need for mental health practitioners who are not only culturally sensitive but also versed in various psychological therapies and treatment modalities, since every individual's mental health care requirements are unique.
Sources:- APA: Report on the Further Development of Psychotherapeutic Care- Journal of Medical Internet Research: Mobile Mental Health Apps for Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Pre-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Periods
- In light of the increasing normalization of therapy, community policies could consider implementing vocational training programs for mental-health professionals, ensuring that adequate resources and skilled practitioners are available to cater to the burgeoning demand for psychotherapeutic care.
- As mental health issues become more openly discussed in the digital age, health-and-wellness platforms could potentially incorporate science-based mental-health resources and mental-health focused vocational training into their offerings, assisting those grappling with the existential dread and stress of modern life.
