Young people aren't snowflakes - mental distress is rising, says head of official review

Some are dismissing the notion that today's youth are a fragile generation. However, the head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism argues otherwise. Prof Peter Fonagy, in an exclusive interview with the BBC, asserts there is a genuine increase in mental distress among children and young people, with anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders being the most prevalent issues.

Fonagy cites economic uncertainty, employment challenges and the pressures of social media as contributing factors to the difficult environment young people face today.

The review, commissioned nine months ago by Wes Streeting following claims that young people were being overdiagnosed and written off, is expected to influence government policies related to NHS services, benefits and support for young people not in education, employment or training. Fonagy's input aims to prevent the debate on ADHD and autism from overshadowing the wider issue of mental health concerns.

Fonagy himself has faced mental health struggles in his youth, including suicidal thoughts after moving to London from Hungary. However, he credits therapy from a local service for saving his life. He emphasizes that young people today are not merely exaggerating normal life stresses into mental illness. Instead, they are grappling with serious challenges such as eating disorders, severe depression, and the inability to function in daily life.

Fonagy stresses that the problems faced by young people have been exacerbated by the pandemic due to its disruptive impact on their lives. He cautions that the support provided to young people is inadequate, with the NHS falling short of meeting the growing demand for mental health services. One in three individuals referred to mental health services are still waiting for help after a year.

Fonagy emphasizes the need for comprehensive action across various sectors, including education, employment, housing, and family support, to address these pressing issues.