A new study indicates more millennials have mood disorders and suicidal thoughts than adults from any other generation, according to an article published in the Journal for Abnormal Psychology.
Psychiatrists say social media, lack of sleep and a loss of interest in outdoor activities could all play a role in this trend. They also say fear of safety could contribute to the findings.
“But other factors could be things like climate change or increase in violent acts that are going on, mass shootings and stuff like that," said University of Arizona professor and board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amelia Gallitano.
Pop star Justin Bieber recently turned to Instagram to talk about his emotional health.
He also posted a picture of a hyperbaric chamber on his Instagram story, which has fans wondering if he is using the oxygen compression unit to help soothe his emotions.
While there have been studies linking increased serotonin to increased oxygen, Gallitano said she would recommend patients seek help from a behavioral therapist before seeking alternative treatments.
“Until we do those kinds of [double-blind] studies, it’s really challenging to determine if the effects are due to the intervention or due to placebo,” she said.