The Rise of Awareness For Mental Health In 2021
The world has been through a lot the past few years. It seems as if during every turn, we are met with new challenges and setbacks. While mental health has always been important, the past few years have really proven that.
It may not be surprising to hear, but searches for mental health related issues rose tremendously during 2021. Between feeling isolated and alone due to quarantine and fearing for the safety of ourselves and loved ones, it's no surprise why mental health topped the list of searches on Google.
The stigma surrounding mental health is slowly being lifted. It is no longer a taboo subject. If there is one thing to be grateful for, is that people are starting to realize why it is so important.
People are searching for mental health concerns more and optimistic search terms. A rise in searches of how to help others, being more kind to yourself, and how to support your community.
Let's go over some of the top search terms from 2021.
Top Searches On Mental Health Disorders
Some of the top searches from 2021 were related to specific mental health concerns. In the past year, 38% of people searched for help with anxiety. 23% searched for coping with depression. 16% looked up how to deal with ADHD symptoms. Another 16% looked up terms related to autism. And, finally, bipolar disorders came in at 8%.
These statistics hint at several things. People are becoming more aware of symptoms that may relate to mental health disorders. Consequently, that also means more people are suffering with mental health concerns. The impact of the pandemic has given many people the opportunity to look at their own personal struggles in a new light.
That may not seem as if it is a positive thing, but it really is. By more people searching for these terms, it hints that mental health is no longer such a stigmatized topic.
Self-Care Is Caring
People are learning to be more kind to themselves. In addition to mental health illnesses, many people are also searching for more optimistic topics.
Topics such as "how to stay strong," and "how to heal," or "remaining hopeful" are all trending topics that rose in 2021. As mental health professionals, we are happy to see this trend because it means more people are caring for themselves. Trying to find a way out of the darkness and into a better state of mind.
It also hints that people are understanding that they are not alone with their mental health struggles. It's feeling comfortable enough to admit that there is something wrong and knowing they aren't the only ones who have to be going through something similar. It gives an almost sense of community, in a way, during times when we couldn't feel more separated.
We Are Never Really Alone
And speaking of community. Concerns over your mental well-being can feel as if it is a very isolating experience. When you feel so awful about yourself, or your circumstances, it can be hard not to get caught up in the doom and gloom of it all. It makes you feel even worse, causing you to isolate yourself even further.
Even though it does feel like we are all so separated, 2020-2021 really taught us that we are all on the same boat. We are all just doing our best to get by, roll with changes, and living the lives we want to lead.
If there's anything to be grateful for over the past two years is knowing that there is support out there that can help you. No matter what you are going through, or how long it has been happening, there is always hope for a better future.
If you are struggling, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for anxiety or addiction counseling, we are ready to support you.