Let’s change the stigma by addressing what’s under the hood of your truck!
Mental health awareness is the act of learning and spreading accurate information with the goal of reducing stigma.
An awareness of mental health allows us to preserve our wellbeing, address potential problems, notice warning signs as they emerge, and help others to do the same.
Are you aware that only 17% of Americans from the Baby Boomer generation (ages 59-77) perform their own vehicle maintenance (oil changes, etc.)? Compare that to 55% of Gen Z (18-26) and Millennials (ages 27-42) who are changing their own oil. Why this shift with the younger generations? These statistics highlight a generational shift, with younger car owners who are more inclined toward DIY vehicle maintenance. You might be thinking about how this relates to mental health awareness and our goal of eliminating any associated stigma. Ironically, there is a direct correlation.
Out of the 44 million Americans experiencing a serious mental health condition each year, half will now seek help, whereas in the past, only ⅓ of people were willing to do so. It’s the younger generation that is unafraid to raise their hand and make the effort to find the resources for better health and wellness. We can thank the Gen X’s (ages 43-58) and some Baby Boomers for jumping on the moving wellness bandwagon. In fact, they have spearheaded the evolution of mental health change and battled those that hold on to the outdated beliefs that people need to “suck it up and get on with it.” Now the focus is shifting to what we can do to continue with this positive trend toward seeking wellness. This movement is showing people how to take care of “what’s under the hood in terms of their mental wellness. Shifting the focus to go beyond awareness toward seeking available support systems can transform mental health care into a resource that everyone feels empowered to use when needed.
The most important change in mental health awareness this year is to tamp down once and for all the stigma and systemic barriers to finding help and resources. According to the American Psychiatric Association, despite awareness, many people still face stigma when seeking help as well as barriers to effective help such as high costs or limited provider availability. Sometimes access to help is just not available, which prevents many from receiving adequate mental health care they need and deserve.
As a member of III-A, you are helping us continue to destigmatize the need for mental health care. Here are three ways that we are working towards affecting positive change:
1. Encouraging individuals to seek help earlier (wellness checks or regular oil changes), which can prevent conditions from worsening. Proactively including mental health care as routine and necessary, just like physical health check-ups.
2. Providing equitable access for all members to receive the appropriate mental health care for their specific issues or situations. This includes increasing our cadre of mental health service providers, new methods of care/specialties, and offering culturally competent care.
3. Conducting early interventions through mental health and wellness training and education onsite. The goal is to improve long-term outcomes, particularly for those dealing with acute stressors by promoting resilience and the tools to manage stress effectively.
So, the next time someone reaches out for help or shares their own struggle, the answer is no longer “suck it up buttercup.” III-A is here with resources and prepared to help them on their wellness journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for you or anyone else when in need of a mental health oil change or even a full engine service. After all, what’s under the hood of your truck matters to us as well.
Resources:
New York Post, August 13, 2024- “Why most car owners are taking better care of their vehicles these days.”
American Psychiatric Association- “Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness.”
This trend varies across generations:
• Gen Z (ages 18-26): About 54.9% report changing their own oil.
• Millennials (ages 27-42): Approximately 49.2% perform their own oil changes.
• Gen X (ages 43-58): Around 11.4% handle oil changes themselves.
• Baby Boomers (ages 59-77): Only 16.9% engage in DIY oil changes.
Understanding Mental Health Awareness
Mental health awareness involves learning and sharing accurate information to reduce stigma. By being aware of mental health, we can maintain our well-being, address potential issues, recognize warning signs early, and assist others in doing the same.
Changing the Stigma: Mental Health Awareness 2025
Did you know that only 17% of Baby Boomers (ages 59-77) perform their own vehicle maintenance, while 55% of Gen Z (ages 18-26) and Millennials (ages 27-42) do it themselves? This generational shift towards DIY vehicle maintenance highlights a broader trend. Interestingly, this shift correlates with increased mental health awareness among younger generations.
Out of the 44 million Americans experiencing serious mental health conditions each year, half now seek help, compared to only a third in the past. The younger generation is more proactive in finding resources for their wellness. We can thank Gen X (ages 43-58) and some Baby Boomers for leading the charge in mental health awareness and challenging outdated beliefs.
The Path Forward
The most crucial change needed in 2025 is normalizing access to mental health care by addressing stigma and systemic barriers. Despite increased awareness, many still face stigma and systemic issues like high costs, limited provider availability, and inequitable access, preventing adequate mental health care.
III-A’s Role in Destigmatizing Mental Health Care
As a member of III-A, you are helping us continue to destigmatize mental health care. Here are three ways we are working towards this change:
- Encouraging early help-seeking (wellness checks or “oil changes”) to prevent conditions from worsening. Viewing mental health care as routine and necessary, just like physical health check-ups.
- Providing equitable access to appropriate mental health care for all members, including increasing our cadre of mental health service providers, new methods of care, and offering culturally competent care.
- Proactive early interventions through mental health and wellness training and education onsite. The goal is to improve long-term outcomes, particularly for those dealing with acute stressors, by promoting resilience and stress management tools.
So, the next time someone reaches out for help or shares their struggle, the attitude and response should no longer be “suck it up buttercup.” III-A is here with resources to support their wellness journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a mental health “oil change” or even a full “engine service”.
Resources:
- New York Post, August 13, 2024 – “Why most car owners are taking better care of their vehicles these days”.
- American Psychiatric Association – “Stigma, Prejudice, and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness”.
