Mental Health Awareness Month Highlights Rising Anxiety Across Generations with Focus on ”More Good Days, Together”

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” highlights the importance of connection and support in building stronger mental health for individuals of all ages.

Mental health challenges can look different depending on where someone is in life. MRHC mental health professionals are seeing one common trend: a growing sense of anxiety surrounding situations that feel outside of personal control.

Teens Face Overload in a Fast-Paced World

For teenagers and adolescents, constant exposure to content on social media platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, means information is coming at them from all angles and often faster than they can process. Combined with the natural developmental stage of seeking independence and identity, this can feel overwhelming.

“In this stage of life, teens are trying to figure out who they are while navigating a world that feels increasingly uncertain,” said MRHC Mental Health Therapist Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC. “With limited control over their environment and still-developing emotional regulation skills, this can lead to increased anxiety.”

Anxiety may present as:

  • Overthinking
  • Irritability
  • Perfectionism
  • A strong need to control small aspects of daily life

“By understanding these behaviors, adults can better respond with empathy,” added Johnson. “When adults lead with guidance and reassurance, they help teens build confidence and learn to focus on what they can control.”

Existential Anxiety Affecting Older Adults

Older adults are also experiencing heightened anxiety, often tied to financial pressures and concern for loved ones. Existential anxiety around rising costs of essentials such as gas, groceries, and insurance can be particularly stressful for those on fixed or limited incomes. Additionally, uncertainty around the safety of children or grandchildren, particularly those in the military or law enforcement, can add to this stress.

“It is normal to feel anxious when so much feels out of our control,” said Senior Life Solutions Therapist Maribeth Christensen, BSW, MA, MSW, LMSW, CADC. “Shifting focus to what is within your control, your thoughts, responses, and behaviors can be a powerful way to reduce anxiety. Practicing self-care and intentionally creating ‘good days’ or even ‘good moments’ can make a meaningful difference.”

Simple Ways to Support Your Mental Well-Being

Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference in managing stress and improving overall mental health. For more ideas, visit the Mental Health America Action Guide.

  • Practice positive affirmations
  • Try journaling to process thoughts and emotions
  • Get enough sleep to support emotional and physical health
  • Focus on eating for well-being
  • Stay active through regular exercise
  • Spend time on hobbies that bring joy and relaxation
  • Explore healthy ways to manage stress such as meditation

Need Help? MRHC Is Here for You         

When feelings of anxiety become overwhelming, affecting sleep, limiting daily activities, or leading to withdrawal from others, it may be time to seek professional support. Whether you’re seeking individual counseling, group support, or resources for a loved one, MRHC offers mental health services designed to meet you where you are.

Counseling for All Ages: Hollie Schechinger and Tiffany Johnson offer in-person and telehealth counseling for ages five and up. No referral needed.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Virtual appointments and medication management are available for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. Provider referrals are recommended but not required.

Play Therapy for Children: For kids struggling to express their emotions, play therapy helps them process trauma and build coping skills through creative play.

Senior Life Solutions: Individual and group counseling for adults over 65 dealing with depression and anxiety related to aging.

Recovery Center: Integrated care for those facing addiction and mental health issues, with medical, behavioral, and social support.

If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please schedule an appointment with your primary care physician by calling (712) 655-8100 to discuss treatment options. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. For concerns of substance abuse call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300.

MRHC Welcomes Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany Johnson

Tiffany JohnsonManning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to welcome Mental Health Therapist, Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC, as the newest addition to the mental health team starting in September. With a strong background in community service, a passion for helping others, and specialized training, Tiffany brings a compassionate and insightful approach to supporting the mental health needs of all ages.

“Bringing Tiffany on board is a great step in expanding mental health support at MRHC,” said CEO Shannon Black. “Having an additional therapist available helps ensure that more individuals and families in our area can access the counseling services they need, when they need them most.”

Tiffany’s professional experience includes years of ministry and youth counseling at Trinity Lutheran Church and Zion Lutheran Church. It was during this time that she became deeply aware of the growing mental health crisis, especially among adolescents. That awareness ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

“I believe mental health care is essential for everyone,” Tiffany shared. “We have seen a spike in mental illness since the pandemic, and there is such a need for counselors at the moment. I believe coping mechanisms need to be learned more broadly and that there should never be a stigma surrounding mental health. In so many ways, mental illness is much like a physical illness; however, it needs to be talked about more.”

Counseling Services

Tiffany is trained in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and SMART Stepfamily Therapy. She has a particular interest in grief counseling, helping those impacted by spiritual abuse, and is committed to tailoring therapy methods to each client’s individual needs. While she will work with individuals of all ages, Tiffany brings valuable experience working with pre-teens, teenagers, and young adults.

In her new role at MRHC, Tiffany is excited to continue her mission of serving her neighbors with professional, empathetic care.

“My goal has always been to work in my community and serve the people I know and care about,” Tiffany said. “I want to be able to professionally help those in my community and the surrounding areas, as mental health not only affects the individual, but the entire community. My late husband and I served these communities in the best way we knew how. Now, my ability to serve just looks a little different.”

Tiffany is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University-Irvine and is set to graduate in August 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Deaconess Studies.

Tiffany will begin seeing patients in September. To schedule an appointment or learn more about mental health services at MRHC, please call 712-655-2072.