Young people aren't snowflakes - mental distress is rising, says head of official review
Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Prof Fonagy says being young is much harder now than it was.
Prof. Peter Fonagy, the head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD, and autism, has dismissed accusations that today's youth are a "snowflake generation." In an interview with the BBC, the clinical psychologist emphasized the real rise in mental distress among children and young people, citing anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders as the most common issues.
Fonagy attributes the increased mental health challenges to a combination of factors, including economic and employment uncertainty, as well as the pressures of social media. He asserts that it is much harder to be young today due to the difficult environment they face compared to previous generations.
The review, commissioned nine months ago by Wes Streeting after a previous health secretary suggested young people were being over-diagnosed and dismissed, is expected to influence government policies related to NHS services, benefits, and support for young people not in education, employment, or training. Fonagy stated that the report will dismiss the notion of a "snowflake generation" and highlight the real challenges faced by today's youth.
He expressed concern that adults have failed young people, adding that he feels the first generation that probably collectively feels they will have a worse life than their children. Fonagy recounted his personal struggle with suicidal thoughts during his teenage years after moving to London from Hungary without his parents, but emphasized how fortunate he was to receive therapy that saved his life.
The review involved over 100 experts and families with experience of mental health problems. While some have argued that increased awareness and reduced stigma contribute to the rise in cases, Fonagy maintains that the observed trend is real. He acknowledged that greater awareness may lead to more people seeking medical help, affecting both boys and girls, with a notable increase in girls from around the age of 12.
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