Supporting Our Heroes: Essential Mental Health Services for EMS Workers at KPS and Essential Touchstones

Cliff Notes Shared by Dr. Alyssa Killebrew

This is worth listening to. Our anxious generation can learn so much from our elders in the blue zone lifestyle.

Balance between social media and social interaction is key.

Play based childhood and adulthood (in nature) is so important. We all need to Increase our community and connection.

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This term often refers to the increasing levels of anxiety and mental health struggles faced by younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials. This trend is often attributed to a combination of societal pressures, technological advancements, and economic instability.

Technology and Social Media: Constant connectivity and comparison via social media can contribute to anxiety, as individuals often compare themselves to curated versions of others’ lives.

Economic Instability: Rising costs of living, student debt, and job insecurity create financial pressures, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

Global Issues: Exposure to constant news cycles about climate change, political unrest, and pandemics amplifies feelings of uncertainty and helplessness.

• Pressure to Succeed: Younger generations face high expectations regarding academic, professional, and personal success, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and failure.
• Mental Health Trends: Studies show that anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health issues are on the rise, particularly among teens and young adults. This has led to a surge in demand for mental health services, therapy, and counseling.
• Cultural Shift: There is a growing awareness and destigmatization of mental health issues. Many young people are more open about their struggles and advocate for mental health resources, though there remains a significant gap in access to care.
• Solutions and Support: Mindfulness, therapy, peer support networks, and lifestyle changes (such as reducing screen time) are commonly recommended to combat anxiety. Schools, workplaces, and governments are also exploring ways to provide better mental health support.

In summary, the “Anxious Generation” refers to younger generations grappling with high levels of anxiety due to various societal factors, but there is also a cultural shift toward addressing these challenges through mental health awareness and support.

Studies:
Several studies have explored the rising rates of anxiety and mental health issues among younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z. These studies shed light on the causes, effects, and potential interventions for what is often referred to as the “anxious generation.”

1. American Psychological Association (APA) – Stress in America Report
Findings: The APA’s annual *Stress in America* reports consistently show that Gen Z experiences higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to older generations. In recent years, the study has noted that factors such as school shootings, climate change, political tensions, and the pandemic have contributed significantly to Gen Z’s anxiety.
Key Data:
– 91% of Gen Z adults report experiencing at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress, like feeling sad or depressed.
– Anxiety about the future and job security is more pronounced in this generation than in previous ones.

2. Pew Research Center – Anxiety and Mental Health among Young Adults
– Findings: A 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 70% of teens cited anxiety and depression as major problems among their peers. The study revealed that this is influenced by academic pressure, social media, and fear of not succeeding in a competitive world.
– Key Data:
– Many teens feel immense pressure to perform well academically (61%), and nearly 30% say they feel that pressure all the time.
– Social media has a large impact, with many teens noting the stress of constant comparison and the fear of missing out (FOMO).

3. The Lancet Psychiatry – Mental Health Trends Across Generations
– Findings: This longitudinal study looked at mental health trends over several decades, finding that anxiety and depression are increasing across younger generations, particularly in developed nations. The research noted that this rise in mental health issues is associated with societal factors such as economic pressures, social media, and shifting family dynamics.
– Key Data:
– The prevalence of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression has increased significantly among young people compared to previous generations.
– The study found that there is also a rise in suicidal ideation and self-harm among teens and young adults, particularly in countries with high academic and social expectations.

4. Journal of Abnormal Psychology – Rising Mental Health Issues Among Young Adults
– Findings: This study found a dramatic increase in mood disorders among adolescents and young adults between 2008 and 2017. The researchers suggested that increased screen time and digital media use could be linked to this rise, as social interaction moved away from in-person connections.
– Key Data:
– The prevalence of major depressive episodes in 12- to 17-year-olds increased by 52%, and among 18- to 25-year-olds, it increased by 63% in just a decade.
– The study suggested that the reduced time spent on face-to-face interactions and increased time spent on social media were contributing factors.

5. Twenge et al. (2019) – Social Media and Mental Health
– Findings: In her research, psychologist Jean Twenge explored the connection between smartphone usage, social media, and the mental health of teens and young adults. The study found that the rise in anxiety and depression correlates with the growing use of digital technology.
– Key Data:
– Teens who spend more time on screen-based activities (social media, texting, gaming) are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
– Conversely, those who spend more time on non-screen activities, such as in-person socializing or exercising, report better mental health outcomes.

6. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Anxiety Disorders Among Adolescents
– Findings: NIMH data indicates that nearly one-third of adolescents (ages 13-18) experience an anxiety disorder at some point, and the median age of onset is 11. Early intervention and treatment are critical, but many young people do not receive the care they need.
– Key Data:
– Anxiety disorders are more prevalent among females than males.
– The most common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

7. The Trevor Project – LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Survey
– Findings: This annual survey specifically looks at mental health among LGBTQ+ youth, revealing that they experience significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual peers. Social rejection, discrimination, and lack of support contribute to these elevated mental health struggles.
– Key Data:
– 42% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
– Nearly 75% reported experiencing discrimination based on their LGBTQ+ identity, contributing to feelings of anxiety and isolation.

Common Themes Across Studies:
– Social Media and Digital Exposure: Excessive use of social media and digital devices is a recurring factor in the studies, with many linking it to the rise of anxiety and depression.
– Economic and Academic Pressures: The pressure to succeed academically and financially is higher among younger generations, contributing to their overall stress levels.
– Global Issues and Uncertainty: Anxiety about global issues such as climate change, political instability, and future uncertainty weighs heavily on young people.
– Stigma and Access to Care: Although there is more openness to discussing mental health, access to care remains limited for many young people, particularly those from marginalized groups.

Recommendations from Research:
– Early Intervention: Providing mental health resources in schools and communities to address anxiety early can help reduce its long-term impact.
– Balanced Screen Time: Encouraging healthier habits around digital media use, including limiting screen time and promoting face-to-face interactions.
– Support Systems: Creating more robust support systems, particularly for groups at higher risk, such as LGBTQ+ youth, is critical for reducing anxiety and mental health struggles.
– Access to Therapy and Counseling: Increasing access to mental health professionals and services, especially in underserved areas or for economically disadvantaged groups, is crucial.

The Stanford study referenced in ‘The Anxious Generation” by Claire Eastham was conducted by Dr. Jean M. Twenge, a psychologist and professor at San Diego State University, along with researchers from Stanford University. Dr. Twenge is widely known for her work on generational differences, particularly around the mental health challenges faced by young people, and her research on how technology and social media impact mental health.

In this study, Twenge and her team examined the effects of digital media usage on young people’s mental health. They found a significant correlation between increased smartphone use and rising rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents and young adults. The study highlighted how constant social media engagement and digital exposure contribute to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, especially in younger generations.

Dr. Twenge’s work, along with the insights from Stanford collaborators, is a central reference point in discussions about the mental health challenges faced by Gen Z and Millennials in *The Anxious Generation.*

Blue Zone Living

https://www.bluezones.com/

Geographic Explorer and Fellow and journalist, during an exploratory project he led in 2004. After an expedition to Okinawa, Japan in 2000 to investigate the longevity there, he set out to explore other regions of the world with reportedly high longevity. With the support of National Geographic, Buettner, and his team of scientists and demographers traveled the world in search of communities where people not only lived longer but also enjoyed a high quality of life in their old age. After analyzing demographic data and interviewing numerous centenarians, they identified five regions that stood out for their extraordinary longevity and vitality.

Key findings from Blue Zones include:

Strong Social Connections: In Blue Zone communities, people maintain close-knit, supportive social circles, which contribute to mental and emotional well-being. Strong social ties and a sense of belonging are key factors in promoting longevity and reducing stress.

Plant-Based Diets: Most Blue Zone populations follow diets that are rich in whole, plant-based foods, such as vegetables, legumes, and grains. They consume meat sparingly, usually as a side dish rather than the main part of meals.

Regular Physical Activity: Rather than engaging in structured exercise routines, Blue Zone residents incorporate movement naturally into their daily lives. They walk, garden, and engage in physical labor as part of their daily activities, staying active without needing to “work out.”

Purpose and Meaning: Having a sense of purpose (referred to as “ikigai” in Okinawa, Japan) is linked to longer life expectancy. People in Blue Zones tend to have a clear reason to get up in the morning, which promotes mental resilience and well-being.

Moderation in Eating: In many Blue Zones, people follow the principle of “Hara Hachi Bu,” which means eating until you’re 80% full. This practice helps prevent overeating and supports better overall health.

Stress Management: Blue Zone residents tend to have built-in methods for managing stress, whether through daily naps (siestas), prayer, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. These practices help reduce chronic stress and its negative effects on the body.

Faith and Spirituality: Many people in Blue Zones engage in regular spiritual or religious practices, which often provide a sense of peace, purpose, and community.
Examples of Blue Zones include Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California, USA), each showcasing unique cultural habits that contribute to long, healthy lives. These findings point to the importance of lifestyle choices—especially those rooted in community, diet, and purpose—when it comes to longevity and health.

We are built for village/community life. The blue zone may not be an empirical study but it certainly is intriguing how these groups of people live healthier, longer with lower rates of dementia. 

Blue Zones refer to regions around the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives, often with lower rates of chronic diseases like dementia, heart disease, and cancer. Although the concept of Blue Zones isn’t based on a formal scientific study, it draws attention to common lifestyle patterns that contribute to longevity and well-being.