Young people aren’t snowflakes – mental distress is rising, says head of official review
Young People Aren’t Snowflakes: Mental Distress Is Rising
Ninoda.com – Young people aren’t snowflakes, according to Professor Peter Fonagy, who is leading an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism. The review is expected to conclude that the increase in emotional distress is genuine and cannot be dismissed as an inability to deal with everyday challenges.
Fonagy believes childhood and adolescence are harder now than for earlier generations. Economic uncertainty, concerns about future work, social media pressures and the disruption of the pandemic have all contributed to a more difficult environment for many young people.
The review was commissioned nine months ago by Wes Streeting after debate about possible over-diagnosis and whether some young people were being prematurely “written off”. Its conclusions could shape policy on NHS care, benefits and support for people outside education, employment or training.
Mental health difficulties among young adults
More than 100 specialists and families with direct experience of mental health problems have contributed to the review. The expected findings suggest that rising difficulties since the 1990s are not explained solely by greater awareness or lower stigma around seeking help.
About one in four people aged 16 to 24 are thought to be experiencing mental health difficulties. Anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders are among the conditions most commonly affecting children and young adults.
There is still discussion about how to interpret mental health data. Some figures depend on people reporting symptoms, and greater public understanding may mean more people seek help than in the past. However, demand for specialist support has risen sharply: the number of children and young people in England who have had contact with mental health services has increased by 50% in five years.
Why young people aren’t snowflakes
Fonagy rejects the idea that young people are less resilient. At 74, he argues that they are responding to pressures that are more intense and complex than those faced by many previous generations.
“It’s harder to be young now.”
He has described the modern environment as “very toxic”, particularly because of uncertainty about the future and the demands of online social life. For many young people, worries about housing, jobs and financial security sit alongside the constant visibility and comparison created by social media.
“Adults have let them down.”
His response to claims that young people aren’t snowflakes is that adults should not judge teenage life through their own experiences of a very different world.
“So, to the person who says it’s a snowflake generation, just try living 24 hours as a 16-year-old.”
Particular pressures facing girls
Mental distress affects both boys and girls, but the difference becomes especially noticeable among girls from around the age of 12. Fonagy has raised concerns about sexual aggression by boys, as well as the social expectations placed on girls and young women.
“It’s very difficult to be a young woman now in secondary school.”
The review is expected to cover serious symptoms including severe anxiety, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, loss of appetite and feelings that life is not worth living. For some young people, anxiety becomes so overwhelming that they cannot attend school.
Young people aren’t snowflakes when distress affects their ability to sleep, eat, learn, socialise or feel safe. Families, schools and health services can play an important role by recognising when a short-term reaction to stress has become a problem requiring timely support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a parent or carer do if a young person is struggling?
Start with calm, regular conversations and listen without dismissing their concerns. If difficulties persist or affect school, sleep, eating or safety, seek advice from a GP, school pastoral team or local mental health support service.
When is urgent help needed?
Urgent help is important if a young person talks about suicide, self-harm, feeling unsafe or not wanting to live. In an immediate emergency, contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department.
Does seeking help mean ordinary stress is being medicalised?
Not necessarily. Stress and setbacks are part of life, but support can be appropriate when distress is severe, long-lasting or prevents a young person from managing daily activities. The review highlights the need to take serious difficulties seriously while continuing to assess each person’s circumstances carefully.