Generation+Y+mental+health+-+a+'state+of+emergency'

Name: Jappan Sawhney Student number: 8049327 Tutor: Abby Diaz



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The picture above depicts a generation y young person who is under extreme stress affecting his or her mental health dramatically. The dungy surrounding and the colour theme of the picture contribute to the idea of the individual’s depressed state of mind. Also, the hood covering the person’s face illustrating that the he or she is hiding his or her face thus, their feelings or stress from others. The artefact is basically describing the mental health conditions the individuals of generation y are going through which may be due to several reasons.
 * Artefact **

World Health Organisation defines mental health as;
 * Public health issue **

“a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (WHO,2011).

Youth mental health was declared a “state of emergency” by group of leading mental health experts in a summit held in 2008 (Stark, 2008). They also mentioned that young Australian’s with mental disorders are at great risk to do self-harm suicide and drug addiction (Stark, 2008). The different factors that are prime determinants of the mental health status of this particular generation need to be brought into consideration. In addition, there are certain social and cultural groups in particular which seem to be affected more in comparison to others when coming down to mental health inconsistencies.

Sawyer et. al. (2000) suggests that mental disorders are characterised by clinically significant set of symptoms or problems which are in turn linked with person distress. Psychological health problems have become an important topic of discussion and debate in this 21st century. Mental health issues such as depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorders are the most common among generation y psychological health concerns (Stark, 2008). Stark (2008) also suggested that in every four young people, one person suffers from some sort of mental health problems which are considered to be primarily triggered by the extensive use of drugs and alcohol.
 * Literature review **

The National Institutes of Medical Health conducted a large epidemiological study concluding that one in 16 American suffered from Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) at point in their lives (Twenge, 2009). Narcissism for young individuals could be entitlement, the sense that the world owes you something, for instance, “I need an A”, “I deserve the best” (Twenge, 2009). Even now, although most young people are not very narcissistic, but there are now more individuals reaching high levels of narcissism (Twenge, 2009).

Data published by the ABS National Survey of National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results in 2008 revealed that during a 12-month period, 7% of Australian children and adolescents aged 0-17 were experiencing mental health problems (Responseability, 2009). Also, There is a higher prevalence of child and adolescent mental health problems among those living in low-income, step/blended and sole-parent families (Responseability, 2009). The Children’s Hospital in Westmead (CHW) suggests that mental health and behavioural disorders account for more than half the disease burden among adolescents (CHW, 2010). Up to 20% of adolescents suffer from a mental disorder at any given time and also, on average some 400 young people kill themselves each year (CHW, 2010).

Further research has also brought forward some shocking statistics suggesting that certain anxiety issues including panic attacks, post – traumatic stress disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder were the most common among individuals with 15% of them affected by it (Stark, 2008). In 2004-2005, there were 8,013 hospitalisations among young people for mental and behavioural disorders due to drug and alcohol use (Responseability, 2009). Approximately 13% suffered from conditions related to dependency on alcohol and other drugs like heroin, sleeping pills and amphetamines (Stark, 2008). Mood illnesses such as bipolar and depression further affected 7% of this young generation (Stark, 2008). Evidence suggests that adolescents with mental health problems report a high rate of suicidal thoughts and other health-risk behaviour, including smoking, drinking and drug use (Responseability, 2009). The thought about suicide was reported by 12% of the adolescents, between 13-17 years of age, while 4.2% had actually made a suicide attempt (Responseability, 2009).

A study conducted using cross-temporal meta-analysis on many questionnaires found that many young students score high on extraversion and self-esteem (Twenge, 2009). Another study using a nationally representative sample of high school American students, show increase in self-satisfaction, materialism, a desire for leisure and high expectations (Twenge, 2009). Twenge (2009) suggests that all this so called “self-confidence” has not led to better mental health, but has rather made depressive symptoms, anxiety and general psychopathology rise sharply over the generations.

It has been found that adolescents with mental health issues report higher cases of high risk behaviours such as smoking, alcohol and drug abuse or other substance abuse (Sawyer, et. al, 2000). Wedderburn (2010), describes a few steps if taken could improve the current mental situations of many young individuals. One key step would be to socialise more, which includes connecting with people that is one’s family, friends, neighbours and so on (Wedderburn, 2010). Also, taking notice of one’s own acts that is reflecting, is a very effective way of keeping track of what he or she is practicing (Wedderburn, 2010). Additionally, The Commonwealth’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation program, known as ‘headspace’ has been established in recognition of the need to respond in better ways to young people with mental health and alcohol and substance (Sydney south west area health service, 2007).

The researchers concluded that recent generations had become ‘too ambitious’ and that many of them were setting goals that might not be right for them. Ironically, the individuals of generation y are raised on high doses of self- esteem building, are the most depressed out of all previous generations on record (AllPsychologyCareers, 2009).
 * Cultural analysis **

There are certain factors that influence any generation and further shaping it as well. Shared experiences such as technology, internet, television and globalisation have shaped generation y (McCrindle, n.d.). There are several social factors which have come across over time that seem to contribute significantly towards the ill mental health of generation y.

Firstly, peer pressure is a strong determinant. McCrindle (n.d) suggests that various researches supports that peer pressure is the biggest factor determining the choice a teenage is most likely to make. Influences or experiences of one’s peer group are the key determinant of his or her actions (McCrindle, n.d.). It therefore, implies that because one’s group of friends plays a crucial role in determining the choices of generation y individuals, more mental pressure they are entitled to go through. Secondly, school relationships are associated both positive and negative consequences. Where, good and health school relationships promote better educational and social outcomes, conversely, school bullying results in negative consequences including lower academic achievement and consequent lower social achievement, physical and somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, depression and substance or alcohol abuse (AIHW, 2010). Household financial difficulties are another factor that relates to the mental problems of young teenagers (AIHW, 2010). Headey & Verick (2006) suggest that members of households where no one is employed, report worse physical and mental health and lower life satisfaction than the members of households where someone is employed. Families who have low incomes and financial stress and parental unemployment also contribute in creating tension and hostility in relationship and therefore, reduce warmth and supportiveness in the home (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000). This thus has inter-generational effects where children competing in secondary school and finding secure employment gets affected by their parent’s socioeconomic status.

Culturally there have been quite a few evolutions for this particular generation. The generation y’ers, focus more on status, money and appearance rather than their relationships and community which in turn has contributed significantly towards their present mental health problems (AllPsychologyCareers, 2009). It has become of great importance for these young individuals to be financially stable and well-off, and earn more money. These conclusions were drawn after conducting several studies on high school students in America (AllPsychologyCareers, 2009). All this cultural change and increase in the level of goals, certainly puts pressure on generation y people thereby, majorly affecting their psychological health status.

There are some particular groups are primarily affected by social and cultural factors than others. One such group would be the young individuals from non-English speaking backgrounds or immigrants. Such young migrants who might have experienced traumatic events prior to their immigration or after immigrating, suffer from psychological health inconsistencies. Several young individuals being a part of generation y are entitled to experience poor mental health outcomes, as a result of extreme stress they might be going through due to various reasons like, the actual migration process, resettlement and also may be because of acculturation as well (CHW, 2010). In Australia, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, due to the lack of access to adequate health care regimes and also, relative social and economic disadvantages are suffering from mental health problems as mentioned by CHW (2010). Evidence also supports that gay and lesbian people from increased rate of depression and substance abuse as there is a high risk of suicidal rate among them (CHW, 2010).

The artefact presented above clearly depicts the state of young individuals belonging to generation y who suffer from mental health problems. Some of the mental health issues that are most common are depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other long term chronic disorders such as bipolar disorder and though disorder (valueoptions, 2011). Young generation y people are facing more psychological inconsistencies.
 * Artefact analysis **

As mentioned earlier that the state of mental health status of generation y is considered as an ‘emergency’ (Stark, 2008), the artefact describes the same issue in a very simple and concise way. The picture portrays a young person in extreme depression and poor mental condition overall.

The ‘cultural artefact’ portrays clear understanding of the current health situation of generation y. It is a strong medium for displaying and putting forward the mental stress and depression the individuals our young generation are going through. It makes ones reflect and analyse the reason or in other words, the factors which play a strong role in influencing the same. The whole present situation of mental instability that the individuals, who are the future of the nation, are suffering needs immediate attention.


 * Reflections**

__**Are you sexy en**____**ough for sport?**__
I really liked the artefact you chose as it diplayed the gender differences when it comes to playing sport. Also, the analysis of the same was well explained.

The projection of how this gender discrimination begins at an early age, was a good way to start.

I agree that women are not given the equal stand as men when it comes to sport but, at the same time how several women sportpersons choose to portray themselves as seen.

well done!

__**Social Isolation - The cause of mental disorders in generation Y?**__ I really liked the topic you decided to write on within the mental health problems generation y is going through. The statistics presented are a great way to put forward the current situation of this health issue. It also showed me another site of social networking sites which had not really considered. After reading your paper, I agree with the fact that family problems/isolations and decreased face to face human interactions have contributed significantly to the present health situation of generation y people. Its aboslutely amazing how technology which is a step towards mordernisation, can have such negativey drastic impacts on the young generation who are the future.

Well done!

**Reference ** AIHW. (2010). Health and wellbeing of young australians. //Australian Government: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare//. Retrieved from [|www.aihw.gov.au/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=6442452965] AllPsychologyCareers. (2011). What is depression? Learn about causes and effects of depression. //The Psychology Career Centre//. Retrieved from [] Boyd, C. P., Bisbett, D. L., Francis, K., Kelly, M., & Newnham, K. (2006). Issues in rural adolescent mental health in australia. //Journal of Rural and Remote Health, 6//(501). Retrieved from [] CAAH. (2011). Understanding adolescents. //Centre of the Advancement of Adolescent Health//. Retrieved from [] McCrindle. M. (n.d.). Understanding generation y. //The Australian Leadership Foundation//. Retrieved from [] ResponseAbility. (2009). Mental illness facts and statistics. //Australian Government: Department of Health and Ageing//. Retrieved from [] Sawyer, M.G., Arney, F.M., Baghurst, P.A., Clark, J.J., Graetz, B.W., Kosky, R.J., Nurcombe, B., Patton, G.C., Prior, M.R., Raphael, B., Rey, J., Whaites, L.C., & Zubrick, S.R. (2000). Mental health of young people in Australia. //Child and Adolescent Component of the National Survey of Mental Health and Well-Being//. Retrieved from [] Stark, J. (2008). Mental illness ravaging nation’s youth. //National//. Retrieved from [] Sydney south west area health service. (2011). Improving mental health in sydney south west. //NSW Government: Health Sydney Local Health Disctrict//. Retrived from [] Thomas, M. L. (2010). Gen y: no jobs, lots of loans, grim future. //Today News//. Retrieved from [] Twenge, J. M. (2009). Generational changes and their impact in the classroom: teaching generation me. //Medical Education, 43//(5). 398-405. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03310. ValueOptions. (2011). Generation Y. //ValueOptions//. Retrieved from [] Wedderburn, P. (2010). Five simple steps to improve mental wellbeing. //The Telegraph//. Retrieved from []