Young people aren t snowflakes: mental distress is rising
Constantvpn.com – Young people aren t snowflakes, according to Professor Peter Fonagy, who says children and young adults are facing a genuine increase in mental health difficulties rather than simply being less resilient than previous generations.
Fonagy is leading an independent review of mental health, ADHD and autism that was commissioned by Wes Streeting nine months ago. The findings are expected to influence future policy on NHS care, benefits and support for people who are not in education, employment or training.
The clinical psychologist, who also advises NHS England, spoke ahead of the report because he feared public debate about ADHD and autism could distract from wider concerns about young people’s mental wellbeing.
“It’s harder to be young now.”
Why mental health pressures are increasing
The review is expected to conclude that mental health problems among young people have risen substantially since the 1990s. Around one in four people aged 16 to 24 are thought to be experiencing difficulties.
Young people aren t snowflakes, Fonagy argues, but are living with uncertainty about jobs, money and their future. Social media can add another layer of pressure, exposing identity, appearance, relationships and achievement to constant scrutiny. He described this environment as “very toxic” for many children and teenagers.
“Adults have let them down. We’re the first generation that probably collectively feels we had a better life than our children will have.”
He urged those who dismiss younger generations to consider what daily life is like for today’s teenagers.
“So, to the person who says it’s a snowflake generation, just try living 24 hours as a 16-year-old.”
Diagnosis, awareness and real distress
More than 100 specialists and families with direct experience of mental health problems have contributed to the review. Its conclusions could have consequences beyond healthcare, as poor mental health can affect attendance at school, family life, training, employment and the ability to seek help early.
There is continuing debate about why reported mental health problems have increased. Greater awareness and lower stigma may mean more people are prepared to describe symptoms and seek support. Critics have also questioned whether difficult but ordinary experiences, including grief, stress and uncertainty, are sometimes medicalised too quickly.
Fonagy accepts that improved awareness has encouraged more people to ask for medical help. However, he does not believe this fully explains the trend. He says the evidence points to a real rise in distress, including anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders.
Severe anxiety can prevent some young people from attending school, while depression may disrupt sleep and appetite and leave people feeling that life has little value. Young people aren t snowflakes when these difficulties interfere with education, relationships and everyday routines.
Particular concerns for girls and young women
While the rise affects boys and girls, Fonagy said it becomes especially noticeable among girls from around the age of 12. He highlighted sexual aggression by boys and the social expectations placed on girls and young women.
“It’s very difficult to be a young woman now in secondary school.”
The Covid-19 pandemic is also expected to feature in the review. Disruption to education, routines, friendships and family life intensified vulnerabilities for many people, particularly those already coping with anxiety, low mood or isolation.
Fonagy’s commitment to earlier support is also shaped by personal experience. After moving from Hungary to London without his parents as a teenager, he experienced suicidal thoughts. He later received therapy through a local service, which he says saved his life.
Frequently asked questions
What does “young people aren t snowflakes” mean? It challenges the idea that young people’s distress is simply a lack of resilience. Fonagy’s view is that many are responding to real social, economic and online pressures.
What problems are affecting young people? The review highlights anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders, with some difficulties becoming severe enough to disrupt school attendance and daily life.
When should a young person seek help? Support should be sought early when low mood, anxiety, self-harm, changes in sleep or eating, or difficulty managing school and relationships become persistent or overwhelming. A trusted adult, school, GP or local mental health service can help identify appropriate next steps.