Our study does not suggest today’s youth mental health crisis is simply a result of greater openness. Even after accounting for changing reporting behaviour, younger generations still have substantially poorer mental health than previous generations did at the same age.
The fact that younger generations feel more comfortable talking about mental health should be seen as progress, not a problem. Greater openness makes it easier for people to seek help before problems become crises.
But our findings are also a reminder that older men, in particular, may still be suffering in silence. If we want mental health services, workplaces and public campaigns to meet real need, we need to understand not only who is struggling, but also who is willing to say so.
3 Comments
Dimand@aussie.zone · 6 pts · 5d
Tracks with what I have been seeing in student cohorts where you get a fresh sample batch each year. We were blaming lockdowns recently, but there is clearly a bad trend here.
I bet the primary driver is economic. It's hard to be happy when you can't afford to live a happy life.
arbilp3@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 5d
My impression is that it is not only economic. Other factors play a role, e.g. technology interfering with natural relationships and self-image, perceived climate change effects on their future, the effects of non-nutritious foods on the body (and therefore mind) to name some.
No1@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 2d
I heard something on a podcast a couple of days ago that said that people were under the most stress between the ages of 18 and 30.
The combination of getting a career going, finding out who you are, dating and finding partners, maybe kids etc,
It kinda surprised me, but I can see how it makes sense.