Mental Health Trends in 2021

The Verywell Mind 2021 Year-in-Review sheds light on the evolving mental health landscape, reflecting the challenges and progress made in the field.

Coping Strategies: The importance of diverse coping skills has been emphasized, with individuals seeking healthy ways to navigate stress and difficult emotions.

Mental Health Therapy: Therapy has gained recognition as a crucial tool for addressing underlying issues, rather than solely relying on medication.

Financial Stability: Ensuring financial stability, especially among Gen Z, has emerged as a key factor in promoting mental well-being.

Treatment Advancements: Ketamine has been approved for treatment-resistant depression, and research on psilocybin and CBD for mental health conditions has seen significant growth.

Celebrity Advocacy: Many star athletes have openly shared their mental health struggles, inspiring others to seek help and normalize conversations about mental health.

The Great Resignation: The pandemic has led to a wave of resignations, as workers prioritize flexibility, well-being, and alignment with personal values.

Online Therapy: Online therapy has gained popularity, yet inequities in access to technology and mental health care have been highlighted.

Relationship Challenges: Close cohabitation during the pandemic has strained relationships, leading to a rise in domestic violence cases.

Youth Mental Health: Substance use and suicidal ideation have posed significant risks for young people, particularly Gen Z and Millennials.

Climate Anxiety: Climate change has had a notable impact on mental health, leading to increased anxiety and concern about the future.

LGBTQ+ Community: Isolation and barriers to treatment have exacerbated mental health risks among the LGBTQ+ community during the pandemic.

Social Media: The impact of social media on mental health has been complex, with both positive and negative effects observed.

Uncertainty Ahead: Despite improvements in vaccine access and treatments for COVID-19, the emergence of the Omicron variant and the ongoing uncertainty of the future continue to pose challenges.

Verywell Mind remains committed to providing support, strategies, and guidance to individuals seeking to enhance their mental well-being in 2022 and beyond.