New data shows a historic shift in the psychological well-being of younger people. According to the UN-sponsored World Happiness Report, which measures the well-being of 140 countries, the perceived happiness of young people has declined “bewilderingly rapidly” in some parts of the world.
“Really struggling”
The most obvious is the development in the USA and Western Europe. The USA, which has long been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, has for the first time left the top 20. The reason is precisely the increased mental illness among young people between 15-24.
For the first time since the surveys began, young people in the US are now unhappier than older generations.
– Young people are really struggling in the United States and now more and more around the world as well, says US healthcare director Vivek Murthy to The Guardian after the report.
Several parallel crises
In Sweden, young people under 30 are now unhappier than other groups in the country and if only the group under 30 had been taken into account, Sweden would have ended up in 18th place in the world – instead of the current fourth place.
One reason may be the Swedish school system, shows analyzes from, among others The Public Health Authority. According to psychologist Siri Helle, who drives the issue of mental health in schools, increasingly higher demands are placed on students.
– In the labor market, good grades are required to get ahead. At the same time, students have worse conditions than ever to get there, she says.
Increased divides, threat of war, climate crisis and housing shortage are other possible causes that are highlighted.
– It is something that has been seen globally, that the general social culture plays a role. If trust or social support erodes in society, it affects how satisfied you are with life, says Siri Helle.
Can be reversed
The societal costs will be large if we do not take the problems seriously, she believes. But the trend can be reversed.
– There are several examples of interventions that work. The WHO recommends above all that young people should be given knowledge about psychological well-being. Then we also have to make sure we get a functioning school.