Mental health review head says young people face real rise in distress, not snowflake generation
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Prof Peter Fonagy, head of an independent review into mental health, ADHD and autism, says there has been a real rise in mental distress among children and young people. He told the BBC that anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders are the most common issues. Fonagy dismissed the idea of a 'snowflake generation', saying it is harder to be young now due to economic uncertainty and social media pressures.
Key Facts
- Prof Peter Fonagy says about one in four 16 to 24-year-olds now struggle with mental health problems.
- NHS figures show the number of children and young people in contact with mental health services in England has risen by 50% in the past five years.
- More than 100 experts and families with experience of mental health problems worked on the review with Fonagy.
- Fonagy experienced suicidal thoughts as a teenager after moving to London from Hungary without his parents.
Review Findings
The review will conclude that the rise in mental health problems since the 1990s is real. Fonagy said anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders are the most common conditions among young people. He dismissed accusations that young people are a 'snowflake generation', saying they face serious challenges. The review involved more than 100 experts and families with lived experience of mental health problems.
Contributing Factors
Fonagy cited economic and employment uncertainty as a major pressure on young people. He also pointed to social media as creating a 'very toxic' environment for youth. The 74-year-old said he is 'in awe' of how young people have adjusted to a more difficult environment than he faced. Fonagy's personal experience with suicidal thoughts as a teenager motivated his work to help young people.
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