Professor Peter Fonagy’s independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism has been in the news this week.
One message particularly struck me: the rise in mental distress among young people is real. As a GP, that is something I recognise. We are seeing young people struggling with anxiety, low mood, loneliness, self-harm and the pressures of school, social media and an uncertain future in a dangerous world. It is little wonder that they feel the way they do.
But recognising a problem does not necessarily mean that we should give it a diagnosis – and we certainly should not automatically reach for medication. Antidepressants and other drugs can play an important part in treating some people, but they are not a panacea and should be used carefully.
We should not medicalise the normal difficulties of growing up. Sometimes what a young person needs most is not a label, but someone to listen, a safe place to belong and practical support with the things that are making life difficult.
That means looking beyond the consulting room. Families, friends, schools, youth services, voluntary organisations and communities all have a part to play.
Instead of the isolation that excessive social media use can drive, we need to ensure that young people have opportunities to connect with others, build their confidence and feel that they belong.
Government is putting measures in place, including mental health workers in schools and additional funding for mental health, while schools are making significant strides in supporting students and encouraging them to support one another.
But these are not simply health issues. They are issues for society as a whole.
Being heard is often the beginning of getting better.
