Why is it that our older generation doesn’t take mental health seriously?
In honor of mental awareness month, I had a deep question. Why does the older generation have a more difficult time approaching this topic?
As with any generation, they both have pros and cons. The older generation has had a lot of resilience to deal with adversity.
But there is a certain amount of gap that they can’t understand today’s issues.
Some adults ignore or don’t take this topic seriously, leading me down a rabbit hole to understand why this is so.
Here is what I have found:
1.Survival of the fittest
In the generation (Baby Boomer {1946 to 1964}or GenX {1965 to 1980}), they focused more on survival, than on taking care of their well-being and evaluating their life satisfaction.
This was largely because their only example of a financially secure and happy life was to work ridiculously hard to take care of their family. The only option was to do a 9–5 job they might not like. And follow the rules and regulations that society deems as correct.
After gaining independence, life was primarily about survival, so this mindset became necessary. But, many years later, parents continue to think with that mindset, without ever questioning whether it serves a purpose in today’s modern world.
2. Many consider addressing mental health as weak or a stain on their reputation
Being open and honest about your mental health wasn’t as accepted as it is today.
As a result, many people end up suppressing their emotions and problems, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms and unresolved issues. For multiple reasons, they did not have a safe place to discuss their feelings or pursue their dreams.
Due to this mindset, parents often end up seeing their children as an extension of who they are rather than seeing them as individuals. They may pursue their dreams or desires through their children, and the cycle of neglect and control continues.
Here, status in society matters more than mental health.
3. The scarcity mindset :
Our parents have grown up with many difficulties in life, and have passed down their beliefs and values to us, believing that they will benefit future generations. However, they haven’t ever stopped and questioned their beliefs if they were even right in the first place.
Their old living conditions and mob mentality make up most of the decisions.
One of the biggest issues that this creates is a scarcity mindset. In the past, few opportunities were available, so naturally, everyone played it safe. They had to plan everything out and always saved money.
This leads to constant anxiety that you won’t get much in life as everything is insufficient. It shows up emotionally (excessive worry about the future), financially (always feeling insecure about money), and physically as well (not taking breaks or taking care of yourself and forcing yourself to work hard).
I experienced this mindset when I was preparing to go to college. My parents were constantly asking me what the scope was of my degree, potential salary, others’ opinions, college fees, and whether I would be independent after completing my degree. Although they were concerned, it created immense pressure and anxiety for me. I felt like I was destined to fail before I even started my career.
To overcome this mindset we must develop an abundance mindset, which simply means that you see life with many opportunities for yourself and others, have a more positive outlook, and do not let self-doubt hold you back from your dreams and desires.
4. Their perspective was considered taboo.
The older generation viewed mental illness as a problem, not as an issue that could be resolved.
When they spoke about their problems, society questioned their character, suggesting they weren’t tough enough. In the past, people only recognized severe mental issues that required help without considering that mental health issues can develop in anyone.
Anyone who experiences huge amounts of stressful and unwarranted thoughts deserves to heal. However, the challenge lies in addressing and coming to terms with the main issue to start the healing process.
It sounds simple, but many, including myself, go around the problem by working ridiculously hard, using coping mechanisms, being in denial, resentment, and many more.
In conclusion, I greatly love and respect my elders due to their immeasurable sacrifices for their families and children. However, I find it challenging to discuss and help them understand this topic. Unfortunately, some elders struggle to unlearn things that do not serve them well.
According to a survey I took, I realized that out of 10, only four have parents who don’t understand how mental health is taken care of. This suggests that many individuals have been able to overcome their past while others continue to struggle with it.
