Where Will Mental Health Stand in 5 Years?

Author

Shira Lazar
October 13, 2024

October 10th was World Mental Health Day, and it got me reflecting on how mental health often goes unseen. Sometimes it shows up as happiness, other times as sadness, anger, or even stress. And that's okay. This day gave me a chance to share a personal glimpse of my own journey, emphasizing that mental health isn't always visible. 

Looking ahead, with everything going on in the world—from political tensions to the pervasive influence of social media—it's hard not to wonder where mental health will be in five years. 

The current state of mental health is a topic the Biden administration is tackling, aiming to make mental health care more accessible and affordable. They recently finalized regulations to ensure mental health coverage is on par with physical health coverage, hoping to reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve access for millions of Americans.

After attending the White House Creator Summit on Mental Health, I was also clear on the efforts behind the Biden administration's approach along with SAMHSA to mental health, and what hopefully will progress with future President’s too.

These changes are crucial, especially as more people navigate the complexities of modern life. Social media, for example, has been at the forefront of the conversation about mental health, especially for our youth. And with the world constantly changing, the way we approach mental health will need to evolve, too. 

While social media often has negative impacts on mental health, it can also play a positive role in combating loneliness and creating a sense of community. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness affects one in two adults, making it a widespread epidemic. Social media platforms like Meetup and Bumble for Friends have become valuable tools for helping people connect and build friendships, reducing feelings of isolation. Still, I expect to see connecting in real life increase as a trend and combat the noise of social media.

Will we see a shift in how we prioritize mental well-being? With the ongoing efforts, there’s hope that mental health care in five years will be more accessible, stigma-free, and integrated into our daily lives, making it as routine as caring for our physical health.

In a recent Forbes article, Stephen Sokoler, CEO of Journey, predicts a transformative future for mental health care driven by technology, societal shifts, and the demand for accessible solutions. Key trends include proactive care, the normalization of teletherapy, and integration into primary care. Digital therapeutics and data-driven interventions are expected to personalize support, while mental health is set to become a core workplace benefit. He emphasizes the importance of tech adoption, cultural integration, and open conversations to improve mental well-being and employee engagement.

My hot take🔥: As tech becomes a bigger part of our lives, the future of mental health will hinge on balancing technology, community support, and personal accountability. Tech isn’t going anywhere—it can help us grow, but it can also distract, numb, or even become a crutch.

We need to build healthier relationships with tech and, more importantly, with ourselves. It’s about knowing what really brings us joy and aligning with our core values. I’m inspired by people like Caitlin Krause, who created a digital well-being course and wrote a book on it, showing us how to use tech mindfully.

The goal? To live in a way that supports our well-being while staying connected with ourselves and others.

Shira Lazar

I wrote about some of the top wellness trends in 2024 a while ago, and as this year comes to a close, much of that is still very relevant.

Other headlines to check out:

Web3

Creator Economy 

AI

Keeping my eye on… Humans Anonymous

Humans Anonymous provides a unique platform for people to have honest, anonymous conversations focused on mental health and connection. They prioritize safe spaces where users can openly share experiences and find support without judgment. I see them as part of a broader shift toward tech-integrated mental health solutions that foster community and empathy, aligning with the future of mental health care as we navigate an increasingly digital world.

Gentle Reminder 🤲 

There will always be more you desire, but be careful not to complain when you get what you once wanted. 💫

Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,