Mental Distress Rising Among Young People, Review Finds No 'Snowflake Generation'

A new review of mental health, ADHD, and autism has found a genuine increase in mental distress among young people, dismissing the notion of a “snowflake generation.” Professor Peter Fonagy, who led the review, attributes the rise to economic and employment uncertainty, coupled with the pressures of social media. The review, commissioned nine months ago, will conclude that approximately one in four 16 to 24-year-olds are now struggling with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders. Fonagy highlighted that the NHS is “not fit for purpose” due to lengthy waiting lists for mental health care. He also noted a personal connection to the issue, having experienced suicidal thoughts as a teenager after moving to Hungary without his parents, and receiving life-saving therapy. While acknowledging that increased awareness may contribute to higher reported rates, the review asserts a real rise in problems since the 1990s. Some GPs have expressed concerns about over-diagnosis and the medicalization of normal life stresses, a point Fonagy addressed by speaking out ahead of the report’s publication to ensure the wider issue of mental health wasn’t obscured by debate around ADHD and autism. NHS figures show a 50% increase in the number of children and young people accessing mental health services in the past five years.

Where they differ

• The Independent emphasized Fonagy's assessment that the NHS is 'not fit for purpose' due to waiting lists, while the BBC focused more broadly on the rise in mental distress.
• The Independent directly quoted Fonagy stating, 'Adults have let them down. We’re the first generation that probably collectively feels we had a better life than our children will have,' a quote not included in the BBC report.
• The BBC highlighted Fonagy’s personal experience with suicidal thoughts as a teenager, while The Independent mentioned it in passing.

What is not yet known

• The specific details of the review’s recommendations for improving mental health services and support for young people remain unknown until the full report is published.
• The extent to which the rise in mental health problems is attributable to increased awareness versus a genuine increase in prevalence is still contested, as the data relies on self-reporting.

Background

• Approximately one in four 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are struggling with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-21].
• NHS figures show a 50% increase in the number of children and young people accessing mental health services in the past five years [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-21].
• The review asserts a real rise in mental health problems since the 1990s, acknowledging increased awareness may contribute to higher reported rates [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-21].
• Mental health conditions can be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors [background knowledge].

Our reading

Our reading is that the review confirms a genuine increase in mental distress among young people, moving beyond dismissive characterizations of generational differences. The report highlights systemic issues, economic uncertainty and inadequate healthcare, as key drivers, rather than individual failings or a supposed lack of resilience. The inclusion of Professor Fonagy’s personal experience suggests an attempt to humanize the statistics and emphasize the importance of accessible therapy.

What to watch

• The full publication of the review’s recommendations for improving mental health services and support for young people [article text].
• NHS waiting list figures for mental health services in the coming months, to see if they reflect any changes following the review’s publication [article text].
• Further analysis of the data used in the review, to assess the extent to which the reported increase is attributable to genuine prevalence versus increased awareness [article text].

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