Mental health: young people are particularly affected

Chantal Anne Hofstetter: The fact that young people speak more openly about their mental health certainly influences the results. But that doesn't mean that mental health issues are just a “trendy topic". Objective indicators such as the frequency of illness, the number of hospital admissions or the number of new disability insurance (AI/IV) pensions granted for psychological reasons show that young people are particularly affected.

We need to distinguish two aspects: on the one hand, young people are subject to significant psychological pressure; on the other, they talk about it more openly than previous generations.

On average, older people are doing better. They tend to be happier and report fewer symptoms of mental illness. It’s worth noting that when it comes to overcoming difficult situations, the older generation have lived through more crises and has a “head start” thanks to their life experience. On the other hand, these results should be interpreted with caution, as lower openness to mental issues also plays a role: for many older people, psychological problems remain a taboo subject and are heavily stigmatised. So they’re simply not talked about.

This means that while mental health issues are less common among those over 65, they are by no means non-existent. And even in this generation, an upward trend has been observed in recent years. The fact that people in this age group are less likely to seek active help is particularly problematic.

Not every low mood is a sign of depression. Temporary sadness or negative reactions to stressful events are part of life. However, if the low mood persists for an extended period (typically two weeks) and is accompanied by other changes such as loss of appetite or difficulty concentrating, and if it disrupts daily life, then action should be taken. This doesn’t necessarily mean psychotherapy: easily accessible counselling services, such as those offered by Pro Mente Sana or Heart2Heart, can help.

In cases of intense suffering, altered consciousness or perception of reality, or suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to act quickly and seek professional help.

Indeed, more and more young people seem to be affected by this phenomenon, and it's a trend that deeply concerns me. Loneliness is not only associated with mental health issues, but it also increases the risk of various physical illnesses and suicide. How is it that so many young people – who are in the most socially active phase of their lives and living in an era of unprecedented connectivity – suffer from loneliness?

One theory is that digitalisation, and especially social media, leads to a decline in real-life physical relationships, which provide more support than virtual connections. Unfortunately, 100 “likes” don’t mean you can call 100 people when you’re feeling down or need a distraction. Added to this is the pressure of an individualised, performance-driven society that demands more and more from young people, and at an increasingly earlier age. In the end, there is no simple, clear-cut answer to the question "why?", because mental health is always influenced by a number of factors."

Some people see social media as the main cause of this negative trend and even advocate banning them until adulthood. The risks include comparison with unrealistic ideals, cyberbullying, lack of sleep, constant overstimulation – sometimes with age-inappropriate content – and addictive mechanisms.

These dangers are real, but social networks have become an integral part of our daily lives. In my opinion, it would therefore be wiser to teach young people to use digital platforms consciously and responsibly. Strong media literacy also has a protective effect in adulthood. That said, social media also offers opportunities: they can help reduce stigma, provide easy access to information, and foster networking and community.

Most of us brush our teeth several times a day and, in case of injury, we disinfect, dress and protect the wound. These healthy routines and reactions go without saying when it comes to physical health, but they are much less common when it comes to mental health. Yet it is possible to strengthen mental health and build resilience against stress. What makes a person feel good or what helps them to relax optimally is very individual.

It's important that we consciously take the time for these things, especially in difficult times. The campaign "How are you?", entitled "Stimuli for Mental Health", offers good guidance for this kind of reflection.

The first step is to assess whether this state is a normal reaction to a difficult situation. For example, if I’ve lost a loved one or fear losing my job, grief or anxiety are not, in themselves, disorders. But if the symptoms go beyond these emotions, it’s advisable to talk to someone about what’s weighing on you. This could be a friend, your partner, or even your supervisor. That conversation alone can bring relief and help you consider the next steps together.

It's a question that preoccupies many people, because most of them have had to deal with someone close to them suffering from poor mental health. And in those moments, you want to help, but how? For this, I recommend the "Mental Health First Aid" courses offered by ensa. Since young people are still developing biologically, psychologically, and socially, certain aspects must be given special attention in this age group. Ensa also offers first aid courses specifically focused on teenagers, covering topics particularly relevant to them, such as eating disorders or self-harming behaviours. However, the following rule applies to all age groups: “You must approach the person, support them, and, if necessary, guide them toward professional help.”

Despite increased public awareness, around a quarter of those affected still do not seek help. It's paradoxical that, although we talk more about this topic today, there is still so much stigma attached to mental disorders and their treatment.

In this context, it is also interesting to look at the disorders that are most talked about. It is more “acceptable” to suffer from burn-out than to talk about depression, and other mental disorders such as schizophrenia are still rarely discussed in public. What's more, those who seek treatment, particularly in hospitals, are still seen in some circles as strange, weak, unpredictable or even dangerous. Only open-mindedness and information can combat this, because mental health concerns us all.