Young people are not snowflakes, head of mental health review says.

The assertion that today’s youth are a "snowflake generation" is unequivocally incorrect, stated Professor Peter Fonagy, the head of an independent review examining mental health, ADHD, and autism. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Professor Fonagy, a distinguished clinical psychologist and an advisor to NHS England, revealed that his comprehensive review has found a genuine and significant surge in mental distress among children and young people. Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders have emerged as the most prevalent issues plaguing this demographic.

Professor Fonagy articulated that the current landscape makes it "harder to be young." This heightened difficulty stems from a confluence of factors, including pervasive economic and employment uncertainty, compounded by the pervasive and often challenging influence of social media. The review, commissioned nine months prior by Wes Streeting, the then-health secretary, was initiated after Streeting himself had suggested in a previous interview that young people were being over-diagnosed and prematurely "written off." The findings of this independent review are anticipated to exert considerable influence on future government policies, impacting a broad spectrum of areas from NHS services and benefit provisions to targeted support for young individuals not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Professor Fonagy explained his decision to speak with the BBC prior to the review’s official publication, which is slated for release later this week. His primary concern was that the discourse surrounding ADHD and autism might overshadow and obscure the more widespread and fundamental issue of mental health challenges faced by young people. His review has benefited from the collaborative efforts of over 100 experts and numerous families who possess firsthand experience with mental health problems.

The review is expected to conclude that the observed increase in mental health problems since the 1990s is a real and verifiable phenomenon. Current data suggests that approximately one in four individuals aged 16 to 24 are currently grappling with mental health difficulties. However, Professor Fonagy acknowledged that the data itself is subject to debate. Some sources rely on self-reporting, while skeptics propose that increased awareness and a reduction in the stigma surrounding mental health are leading more individuals to come forward and seek help. Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding whether society is now over-medicalizing normal life stresses, potentially attributing diagnoses to temporary periods of distress that individuals could otherwise learn to cope with. This concern echoes findings from a BBC investigation last year, which revealed that many GPs harbored reservations about over-diagnosis and felt that everyday life stresses were being inappropriately medicalized. Official NHS figures further underscore the escalating demand for mental health services, indicating a 50% rise in the number of children and young people in contact with these services in England over the past five years.

Professor Fonagy’s personal journey with mental health during his youth served as a profound catalyst for his dedication to supporting young people. He candidly shared his own experience of suicidal thoughts as a teenager, a period marked by his relocation to London from Hungary without his parents. He attributes his survival to the timely and effective therapy he received from a local service, describing it as having "saved his life."

"It’s harder to be young now," the 74-year-old emphasized, firmly dismissing the notion of a "snowflake generation." He expressed his admiration for the resilience and adaptability of young people in navigating an environment that he acknowledges is significantly more arduous than the one he encountered in his youth. He reiterated that economic instability, coupled with the relentless pressures of social media, has cultivated a "very toxic" environment for today’s youth.

"They are a generation that has real serious challenges that I would not wish to have had when I was their age," Professor Fonagy stated with conviction. He did not mince words in his assessment of the adult generation, asserting, "Adults have let them down. We’re the first generation that probably collectively feels we had a better life than our children will have." He concluded this point with a direct challenge to those who dismiss young people as overly sensitive: "So, to the person who says it’s a snowflake generation, just try living 24 hours as a 16-year-old."

Young individuals who have shared their experiences with mental health struggles with the BBC stressed the critical importance of the government acting upon the findings of Professor Fonagy’s report once it is released. Omari, a 22-year-old who endured significant difficulties at school without adequate support from teachers, voiced his concerns: "It’s all very well having this flashy report, but it’s useless if they don’t put that into practice." He recounted a suicide attempt at the age of 15 due to severe bullying, lamenting, "Suddenly, when I did end up in hospital, they all wanted to care. But it’s like you’re a bit too little, too late here."

Others, like 17-year-old Mattea, who is currently residing in temporary social housing and has been battling anxiety and depression, expressed profound concern about their futures. "I don’t know what’s going to happen to my life," she confided, echoing the sentiment of feeling let down by adults. "No one’s going to come and sort my life out for me. I have to do it on my own."

Professor Fonagy underscored the urgent need for improved support systems for young people, declaring that the NHS, in its current form, is "simply not fit for purpose." He highlighted the alarming reality of lengthy waiting lists, citing figures that indicate one in three individuals referred to mental health services are still awaiting help after a full year. While acknowledging some positive developments, such as the rollout of mental health teams to collaborate with schools, he maintained that a comprehensive solution necessitates a cross-societal effort, extending into education, employment, housing, and the very fabric of family life.

He specifically pointed to the impact of cuts in youth services over the past decade, which have resulted in fewer opportunities for young people to connect and foster a sense of belonging. "We need to have opportunities for them to participate, because participating in things… maintains good mental health," he argued. Professor Fonagy also drew attention to the striking increase in loneliness among young people since the year 2000, linking it to the rise in smartphone and social media usage. This digital engagement, he explained, has reduced face-to-face interactions and disrupted sleep patterns, both of which are detrimental to mental well-being.

Beyond addressing the impact of technology, Professor Fonagy suggested practical steps that families and friends can take. He emphasized the profound difference that simple acts of care can make, such as saying to someone, "’I notice you’re not quite the same as yesterday. Is there anything the matter?’ Knowing there is someone who knows makes an enormous difference."

His ultimate hope is that by working collaboratively, society can effect meaningful change. "I want young people to hear that when they feel anxious, depressed or distressed, that it’s a real problem, but a problem we can do something about," he stated with a sense of purpose. "When I needed help, I got it. I want everyone to have that chance."