Over the past fifty years, how modern society views mental health has undergone a dramatic change. In the mid-20th century, mental health concerns were largely misunderstood and even outright stigmatized. Discussion about the topic was met with scorn. Seeking help was frequently seen as a sign of weakness, and those who did so were often subjected to shame, discrimination, or even institutionalization according to Anna Cataldo-Holmes in a 2018 journal article for Trinity College. In contrast, modern society largely encourages open conversations about mental health, and there is increasing acceptance and support for those struggling with mental health. This shift reflects broader changes in cultural attitudes, scientific understanding, and public health priorities.
In the mid-1970s, mental health was regarded as a taboo subject. Mental health concerns were seen as a personal failing rather than as legitimate medical conditions, Cataldo-Holmes reports. Psychological hospitals were sometimes used more for containment rather than treatment, and people suffering from disorders often went undiagnosed or untreated according to an article published by Concordia University in 2020. There was a widespread lack of public education on mental health, which further contributed to fear and misunderstanding. Furthermore, mental health concerns were heavily stigmatized in both personal and professional contexts, with individuals risking social exclusion or repercussions to their careers if their personal struggles became known.
Medical approaches during this time were also limited. Psychiatric care often emphasized institutionalization or medication with little focus on therapy or prevention. Mental health professionals were fewer in number, and access to care was limited, especially for marginalized communities. Public funding for mental health initiatives was also a reflection of the low prioritization of mental well-being on a national level according to Cataldo-Holmes.
By contrast, today’s view of mental health is shaped by more compassionate and evidence-based understanding. Mental health concerns are now widely recognized as common and treatable conditions. The rise to prominence of neuroscience and psychology has contributed to deeper insights into the causes of mental disorders, reducing the stigma surrounding them. Treatments now include a broader range of options, from psychotherapy and medication to mindfulness practices and community-based interventions according to a survey released in 2019 from the American Psychological Association.
Over the decades, advocacy and public awareness campaigns have been central to this change. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the National Alliance on Mental Illness have helped to normalize mental health and encourage open dialogue. Social media has also played a dual role as while sometimes contributing to mental health challenges, it has also become a platform for awareness, support, and education. Furthermore, workplaces, schools, and governments have increasingly integrated mental health resources into their systems. Employee assistance programs, school counselors, and mental health days are more common, signaling institutional recognition of mental well-being as a critical part of overall health, the American Psychological Association continued in the press release.
In conclusion, the past fifty years have seen a significant shift from silence and stigma to support and openness in mental health. Many issues remain, such as ease of access to care as well as disparities in treatment. However, society is visibly changing. Seeking help with mental issues is now seen not as weakness but as a courageous and necessary step toward wellness. This evolution marks a hopeful trajectory toward a more empathetic and informed future.
Note from the editor:
For more information about counseling and mental health, please visit the UHCL Counseling and Mental Health Center online, in person, or by phone. Contact information can be found here.
If you are interested in how to help a friend or family member in need, attend the free training from the UHCL CMHC on May 6. Details here. If you miss the May 6 training, keep your eyes out for more training dates on Get Involved, or reach out to the staff at the CMHC.
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