Mental Health Support Across Generations

For generations, mental health was a battle fought in silence across the Philippines. Many Filipinos, especially in the past, placed immense importance on upholding dignity and maintaining a positive image within their communities. Admitting to a mental health problem was often perceived as a source of “hiya” (shame), not just for the concerned individual but for the entire family.

Cultural values, social stigma, and a strong emphasis on “saving face” made mental health issues a hushed topic, pushing them into the shadows. Lack of awareness has led to the rise of misconceptions, sometimes attributing mental health problems to supernatural causes, instead of recognizing it as legitimate health conditions deserving of care and understanding.

However, with the passage of the Philippine Mental Health Act (RA 11036) in 2018, the country’s mental health landscape has undergone significant changes. The former taboo subject has earned a space at the forefront of national concerns in the country. Through growing awareness, more Filipinos are recognizing that coping with mental health challenges often varies across generations. Here are some recommended strategies for supporting mental health according to generations.

Baby Boomers (Born Between 1946 and 1964)

According to WebMD, Baby Boomers grew up in an era where mental health was not openly discussed. Mental health was either linked to mental illness or the aftermath of a trauma. This resilient generation was largely raised to deal with challenges independently and keep their emotions to themselves.

How To Support Baby Boomers

Foster discussions about mental health and initiate normalizing talks about this topic without sounding confrontational or judgmental. Avoid making dismissive or accusatory statements.
According to a report, Baby Boomers are active social media users, with Facebook being their most popular platform. Social media can be utilized to foster conversations about mental health.
After making the initial talk, check in on them regularly. Encourage them to stay in touch and to reach out to you if they need someone to talk to. Express your support by offering reassurance that they are not alone.

Generation X (Born Between 1965 and 1980)

Gen X often find themselves “sandwiched” between taking care of their aging parents and raising their kids. This dual role is often compounded by the demands of a career, the weight of financial pressures, health issues, and personal aspirations, making them one of the most stressed generations. The pandemic also worsened stress for Gen Xers because of these multiple responsibilities. In addition, many Gen X women are also dealing with the physical and mental challenges of menopause.

Although Gen X supports self-help techniques to manage stress and cope with various emotional challenges, this generation is still tied up to the stigma of mental health issues. Consequently, Gen Xers like Baby Boomers are not comfortable openly discussing mental health and many believe that they should “tough it out” on their own. According to psychologists, both generations largely believe that mental health care is reserved for extreme traumatic experiences like war combat or assault.

How To Support Generation X

Encourage them to integrate self-care activities into their daily routines. These activities don’t have to be grand gestures. They can be as simple as taking short walks during break time, engaging in mindful stretching, dedicating a few minutes to meditation, or journaling
Provide menopause support for women to help them identify and understand common challenges and symptoms. This will equip them with effective coping strategies to navigate this life transition.
Give Gen Xers access to stress management resources to empower them to better manage the demands of work and life.

Millennials (Born 1981-1996)

Growing up in an era with access to more advanced technology and the internet, particularly the pervasive influence of social media, Millennials are frequently subjected to the pressures of maintaining an idealized public image.

Millennials are known for prioritizing their overall well-being, having largely surpassed the generational stigma associated with mental health. They are not afraid to advocate for their mental well-being, making them comfortable in discussing mental health issues and seeking help from mental health professionals.

How To Support Millennials

Provide online resources to mental health advocate groups, mental health apps, and similar digital tools.
Support their need for “mental health breaks” to foster sustained well-being and productivity. For Millennials, these breaks go beyond the traditional annual leave. In this fast-paced world, mental health breaks are about creating space for the mind to rest, relax, and recharge. Furthermore, these breaks help prevent mental fatigue and allow them to return to work with a fresher perspective and renewed energy.
Millennials rely on maintaining clear boundaries between their work and personal lives to foster a healthy mental state. This is one of the key differentiators of Millennials from older generations who often blur these lines. Learn to respect and honor these boundaries to boost their productivity and prevent burnout.
Millennials can make great mental health ambassadors in the workplace because this generation is open about discussing mental health concerns.

Generation Z (Born 1997-2012)

Generation Z or Gen Z for short are individuals born in an internet-savvy world. As “digital natives”, they are used to having constant access to the internet, smartphones, and social media, shaping their experiences and perspectives. This generation values connection, inclusion, and boundaries between work and life.

Gen Zs openly share their experiences, seek support, and engage in an open dialogue on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, helping break down the generational stigma. However, this constant online engagement makes them particularly susceptible to unhealthy social comparison and the pervasive fear of missing out (FOMO).

How To Support Gen Z

While social media helps people stay connected, it can cultivate negative feelings such as sadness, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. This may involve constantly comparing their lives to others, fuelling envy and dissatisfaction. Encourage Gen Zs to take regular “digital detox” to avoid negative feelings associated with too much time on social media, allowing them to focus on the joy of real-life events.
With the rise of remote/online work, a sedentary lifestyle is not uncommon among Gen Zs. Encourage them to engage in more physical activities to elevate mood, boost immunity, and increase energy levels. Whether it’s walking, running, doing yoga exercises, going to the gym, or playing sports, taking time to exercise can release endorphins and reduce anxiety.
Social media has become a digital arena for achievements and social validation, creating a competitive world. The constant exposure to the curated lives of others often heightens the pressure to excel and showcase accomplishments, triggering stress and anxiety. It’s vital to remind Gen Zs that it’s normal to make mistakes, emphasizing that it’s part of growth. The important thing is to learn from their mistakes and use their experiences toward self-improvement.
Like Millennials, Gen Zs also need support for “mental health breaks.” Given the unique digital pressures they face, these breaks are essential for their well-being.
Gen Zs are largely open to seeking mental health support. Encourage Gen Zs dealing with prolonged anxiety to get online counselling, providing them with a safe place to share their emotions and build coping strategies.

Conclusion

Understanding the different mental health landscapes of each generation is a crucial step in creating an effective support system. By acknowledging generational differences – from Boomers’ and Gen Xers’ lack of openness about mental health care, Millennials’ pursuit of work-life boundaries, and Gen Z’s intense pressure to maintain an idealized image – you can come up with tailored approaches in supporting their mental health and overall well-being.

Easy access health plan options for the Filipino community.

We know finding the right healthcare plan can be a complex and confusing task.
Our health plan specialists are always here to help 24/7.
Got more questions?