5 Mental Health Trends of 2024
In recent years, the conversation surrounding mental health has gained significant momentum. As we enter the year 2024, it’s important to take a closer look at the emerging trends in this field. Mental health is a topic that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and staying informed about the latest developments can improve our mental health, gives us a boost into the new year, and helps us stay informed because, as we all know, technology is changing rapidly, so keeping up to date becomes inevitable in our everyday lives.
What are the 5 Mental Health Trends of 2024?
More dedication to physical activity
After nights of intense partying during the festive season which has recently passed, a lot of people are quickly drawn to and are more aware of the importance of watching what they eat and exercising more.
Therefore, understandably, at this time of year, one of the most important trends is a holistic approach to our physical, mental, and spiritual health.
This means a significant emphasis on exercising, but not in the traditional sense. Rather, it's more about integrating the body and mind.
This involves taking care of our bodies through exercise while also devoting enough time to allow oneself to become more mindful. People are increasingly turning to meditation, reflecting on their inner world, and thereby incorporating both exercise and mindfulness into their daily or weekly routines.
Eating more mindfully & healthily
Mindful eating is becoming a key trend, which is a focus on consuming whole foods like grains, vegetables, and fruits. This approach involves being conscious of what we eat, appreciating the flavors and origins of our food, and choosing natural, unprocessed options over processed ones. By doing so, individuals not only enhance their physical health but also promote sustainable eating habits.
This shift towards mindful eating emphasizes the importance of a balanced, nourishing diet in order to maintain overall well-being.
Focusing on mental healthcare of LGBTQIA+ and removing stigma
The mental health care sector is increasingly recognizing the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. More clinical and mental health professionals are broadening their perspectives and receiving specialized training to effectively work with individuals from these diverse backgrounds. This shift marks significant progress in inclusivity and understanding within the mental health field. Mental health providers are learning to navigate the specific challenges and experiences that LGBTQIA+ individuals face, such as societal stigma or identity-related stress. By cultivating a more welcoming and informed environment, these professionals are not only enhancing their service quality but also contributing to a broader societal acceptance and support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
This trend underscores the importance of tailored mental health care that respects and acknowledges the individuality and complexities of each person's experience.
Innovative changes in mental health & science studies
There have been many innovative changes in mental health treatments. For instance, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) has been explored for treating depression, and some studies indicate that Deep TMS can possibly aid in alleviating depressive symptoms in patients who do not respond to traditional forms of therapy.
Other innovative research includes the use of ketamine for treating various mental health disorders. Studies suggest that people with depression who also have comorbid mental disorders such as GAD, OCD, PTSD, and/or ADHD have shown positive responses to ketamine treatment. Of course, research in these fields is still very much ongoing, and no straightforward conclusions can be drawn yet. However, it is encouraging to see mental health progressing with these different and innovative approaches.
Mental health technology
One of the most interesting and relevant developments to date is the advancement of mental health technology. It’s incredible how far this technology has progressed in the last 20 years, with hundreds of digital apps now available.
The rapid and innovative development of mental health apps and platforms is allowing many people who lack access to therapy the chance to improve various life skills. Some apps for example assist with symptom recording and post-clinic treatments.
With so many digital options available, why not consider exploring the charisme app? It offers a range of chapters on diverse topics, from receiving and giving compliments to boundary setting, meditation techniques, and much more, all designed to be beneficial in everyday life.