A report published by the WHO showed that the prevalence of suicide is 21.1/100,000 population among which, a large proportion are students aged 0-19 years.
5% Discount Coupon: Unknown Tentsile
Even after such alarming data, it is heartbreaking to see how mental illness is still a taboo. Why Is This Happening? While there are many reasons to rule that out, the saddest one is lack of acknowledgment and self-realization.
Failure to handle a simple problem has less to do with our personality but more to do with mental toughness. Millennials and Gen Z undoubtedly lack the mental toughness that they need to have to cater to their everyday issues.
“Millennials don’t feel comfortable struggling,” says ACHA President Dan Jones. “They don’t have the resilience of previous generations.”
What are the consequences of the rise in mental illness?
The Truth
While it is extremely cardinal to be cautious about one’s mental health, it is even more important to judge our emotions. We know that the world is screwed and we are living in the most messed up era. But this shouldn’t be an excuse for our stagnant mindset.
Sometimes, not being able to handle a particular situation due to an awry thought process, makes us just give up! Later, reminiscing upon our failure leads to over thinking and makes us depressed.
So, you see that the problem arises when we just give up without trying much.
That’s how it works most of the times. Such a mindset acts as a hindrance in achieving little things and makes us feel miserable in the long run.
The key factor in fighting back such issues is resilience. We need to believe that we are stronger than whatever is stopping us from achieve our goals!
What Experts Have to Say
The Counseling Director at Boston College conducted a study around the same topic and concluded,
“Our students are no different from what is being reported across the country on the state of late adolescence/early adulthood. There has been an increase in diagnosable mental health problems, but there has also been a decrease in the ability of many young people to manage the everyday bumps in the road of life. Whether we want it or not, these students are bringing their struggles to their teachers and others on campuses who deal with students on a day-to-day basis. The lack of resilience is interfering with the academic mission of the University and is thwarting the emotional and personal development of students.”
Mim Hang, a renowned sports writer wrote in his Athletic Assessment-
“Environments where athletes have to organize themselves or suffer the consequences of being unorganized, hold each other accountable for their performance and behavior, and contribute to performance improving strategies, enable the development of the mental toughness framework.”
The building of a sportsperson is a perfect example that shows how grit, perseverance and mental toughness are root causes for success and possess the power to side line trivial mental conflicts.
Millenials and Gen Z people are suffering because they chant the mantra of ‘letting go’ when faced with slightest of adversary. ‘Life is not a bed of roses’ stands true in today’s scenario, thus we need to train our mind accordingly.
While we blame our mental health for not being able to accomplish little tasks, sometimes it’s the other way round. Our confused emotions make us feel incapable and the negative thinking then triggers mental illnesses.
Whatever the cause, blaming won’t change the reality, but with the right efforts we can alter it!
Tips for Reducing and Controlling Stress
If you are feeling stressed, there are steps you can take to feel better. As you read the following suggestions, remember that conquering stress will not come from a half-hearted effort, nor will it come overnight. It will take determination, persistence and time. Some suggestions may help immediately, but if your stress level doesn’t seem to improve, it may require more attention and/or lifestyle changes.
Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your family’s), learn to say NO! Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary. You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle. If you meet resistance, give reasons why you’re making the changes. Be willing to listen to other’s suggestions and be ready to compromise.
Shed the “superman/superwoman” urge. No one is perfect, so don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. Ask yourself, “What really needs to be done?” How much can I do? Is the deadline realistic? What adjustments can I make?” Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
Meditate. Just ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to music, relax and try to think of pleasant things or nothing.
Visualize. Use your imagination and picture how you can manage a stressful situation more successfully. Whether it’s a business presentation or moving to a new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self-confidence and enable them to take a more positive approach to a difficult task.
Take one thing at a time. For people under tension or stress, their day-to-day workload can sometimes seem unbearable. The best way to cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time. Make a list of things you need to get done and start with one task. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. The positive feeling of “checking off” tasks is very satisfying. It will motivate you to keep going.
Exercise. Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress. Twenty to thirty minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind.
Hobbies. Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening or painting. Always schedule time to indulge your interest.
Share your feelings. A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not the only one having a bad day, caring for a sick child or working in a busy office. Stay in touch with friends and family. Ask them how they have dealt with a similar situation that may be “stressing you out.” Let them provide love, support and guidance. Don’t try to cope alone.
Be flexible! If you find you’re meeting constant opposition in either your personal or professional life, rethink your position or strategy. Arguing only intensifies stressful feelings. Make allowances for other’s opinions and be prepared to compromise. If you are willing to be accommodating, others may meet you halfway. Not only will you reduce your stress, you may find better solutions to your problems.
Go easy with criticism. You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not to feel frustrated, disappointed or even “trapped” when another person does not measure up. The “other person” may be a coworker, spouse, or child whose behavior you are trying to change or don’t agree with. Avoid criticisms about character, such as “You’re so stubborn,” and try providing constructive suggestions for how someone might do something differently.