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.
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.