Positive developments include a growing public understanding and acceptance of mental health concerns. According to statistics, one out of five people deal with a mental health issue. Recent studies indicate that younger generations are more adept at recognizing mental health symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment. In contrast, older generations often perceive mental illness as a taboo subject, rife with misconceptions. Particularly, conditions like depression carry significant stigma among Generation X.
Convincing parents from older generations to consider therapy can be a formidable task for their children. Many older adults struggle to acknowledge their mental health struggles, attributing them to temporary setbacks or everyday stress. Riddhi Doshi Patel, a child psychologist and parenting counselor, notes that the conditioning of older generations contributes to their reluctance in addressing mental health issues.
Unlike their children, who are well-informed about mental health, older adults may resist therapy due to various reasons. Fear of judgment, uncertainty about the therapy process, or simply the discomfort of sharing personal struggles hinder their willingness to seek help. Overcoming these barriers requires significant courage and a willingness to open up about one’s emotions.
Riddhi highlights that some older parents discreetly seek therapy to maintain privacy and avoid potential stigma and gossip. To support children in persuading their parents to consider therapy, Riddhi offers practical tips. Encouraging open conversations about mental health concerns, expressing empathy, suggesting confiding in a trusted friend, and providing examples of others benefiting from therapy can help bridge the generational gap in perceptions of mental health care.