Younger generations showing positive progress in relation to mental health

As we move into November, which is widely associated with men’s health, Aviva’s research highlights encouraging progress when it comes to men’s mental wellbeing, particularly amongst the younger generations who have grown up in a world where mental health is talked about more.

Encouragingly, over two thirds (71%) of men said that they’d talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health. While the likelihood to talk reduces slightly with age, Aviva’s research found that younger men were more open to sharing their problems.

Just over three quarters (76%) of Gen Zs aged 16-27 years said that they would talk to someone if they were struggling with their mental health.

Moreover, the research highlighted a willingness from younger generations to engage in online environments. Nearly one in five (17%) Gen Z men said that they’d talk to chat forums or online groups about their mental health – compared to an average of just over one in ten (11%) across all ages.

This appetite for digital support was reflected in the treatment options that young men received when they looked for medical advice.

Of those who had sought professional help for their mental health, a third (33%) of Gen Zs received practical mental health support online. This compares to fewer than one in five (19%) across all age groups. Just over one in five (22%) received talking therapies virtually, which was also slightly higher than the average across all age groups.

This adoption of digital support is positive news. According to a recent communication from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) the use of recommended digital therapies for mental health conditions could free up thousands of NHS therapists’ hours.²

Interestingly, the research showed a lower reliance on anti-depressants as the ‘go to option’ for younger age groups. Around one in five (22%) Gen Z men said that they’d taken medication such as anti-depressants. This compares to over a third (34%) across all age groups. Over half (54%) of men aged 55+ had been prescribed anti-depressants.

Aviva’s research also showed that younger generations are actively engaging in the relatively new practice of social prescribing – which focuses on improving mental wellbeing by connecting individuals to activities, groups and services in their community to meet the practical, emotional and social needs that affect their health and wellbeing.

A quarter (25%) of young people aged 16-24 and just under a third (31%) of those aged 25-34 said that they had received support through social prescribing, compared to around one in five people (21%) across all age groups. This reflects a move towards a more holistic approach to the management of mental health and wellbeing.

Commenting on the research, Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director, Aviva UK Health, said: “Over the past few years, much work has been done to help people recognise that mental health is as important as physical health. It’s likely that this change in attitude is helping to drive the positive trends we’re seeing from the younger generations taking part in our research. 

“It’s encouraging that men are becoming more open to talking about their mental health. This is a positive step which will help enable a preventative approach to mental ill-health and give more people the confidence to seek help when they need it.

“However, it’s not only attitudes which have changed in recent years. Digital healthcare has helped transform the way that mental health support can be delivered as well as enabled easier access to support. There’s also now a recognition that mental health can benefit from a holistic approach that treats the root cause of the problem as well as helping the individual put in place support to aid their future wellbeing. It’s encouraging to see that the younger generations are actively engaging with this support.”

See more information on the research.

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References:

^{1. The research was conducted by Censuswide with 1,000 nationally representative UK men, aged 16+ between 02.05.2024 - 09.05.2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.
2. NICE recommended digital therapies for depression and anxiety could free up thousands of NHS therapist hours | NICE}

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