Holistic Psychiatry 101: Tips for Gen Z, Millennials, and Entrepreneurs to beat depression
Gen Z and young millennials have come of age in a time of novel social media dynamics, a global pandemic, and rampant political turmoil. This generation’s path to adulthood comes with increased reports of depression, anxiety, and burnout. Despite these challenges, a study by the US Census Bureau revealed that a record-breaking 5.4 million new businesses were started in 2023. So Gen Z and millennials have managed to retain a visionary and creative drive in the face of our mental health crisis, starting more businesses than previous generations. Little known fact however, there is also a 4 times increased likelihood of depression for entrepreneurs.
Here are some simple, holistic psychiatry strategies to help Gen Z, Millennials, and entrepreneurs get through a depressive episode.
Avoid isolating yourself.
There is a veneer of entrepreneurship that often casts an overly cheerful and upbeat view of the grind set to success. Perhaps it is the focus on image, or an arm of marketing gone awry into toxic positivity. Either way, this may lead to a desire to isolate from others. Try to act in opposition to that urge and find supportive like minded people you can be authentic with, because depression thrives in isolation.
Pursue meaning.
Think back to your ‘big why.’ For entrepreneurs this is the vision that inspired them to create something novel. For the individual, it can be as simple as seeking out opportunities to reconnect with your ever curious inner child, give back to your community, or lean into gratitude.
Know that how you feel is temporary and focus on living in the moment.
Even within depressive episodes, there are moments of happiness or opportunities for mindfulness that pull you out of your anhedonic and/or apathetic state. Know that the only thing you have to tackle is being present in this moment. Depression can distort your perspective on the world, giving you a sense of overwhelm with only the worst future possibilities coming to mind. Push back against these negative thought distortions with a daily mantra such as, “This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment.”
These are just a few strategies to help young adults and entrepreneurs manage their depression. Ultimately, the feelings of guilt, lack of motivation, worthlessness, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, and/or exhaustion that may come along with depression might require professional help. If you do find yourself feeling sad, down, apathetic, or irritable most of the time, it might be time to reach out to a healthcare professional to address the root cause.