Depression among young people is rising, and the reasons behind this are as complex as they are concerning. There is no single cause for the onset of depression. Yes, genetics and family history can play a role in determining susceptibility, but environmental, societal, and personal factors often serve as triggers. Modern life, with its unique pressures, has created a crucible for a youth mental health crisis.
It seems that one of the most prominent contributors to depression is the immense pressure created by today’s connected society. A barrage of social media and advertising bombards young people with curated images of how life is ‘supposed to be’, surrounding them with idealised versions of beauty, success, and happiness - standards that are often unattainable and unrealistic. For those who feel they don’t measure up, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and diminished confidence - feelings which if left unaddressed, can spiral into depression.
What feels like the relentless rise of technology, particularly since 2012, has introduced another layer of complexity as increased smartphone use and time spent on social media have coincided with a notable rise in depression rates among teens. Although technology itself is not innately harmful, the way it has altered social interactions might be. Face-to-face interactions and sleep patterns can be derailed and disrupted by excessive and late-night screen use, while algorithms driving social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged, often by exposing them to emotionally charged content. This cycle of comparison and validation-seeking, combined with social media and advertising’s idealised versions of what life ‘should’ be like, can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and inadequacy.
School can also be a significant source of stress. Heavy workloads, high academic expectations, and the pressure of exams can overwhelm young people, while bullying remains a pervasive issue that can damage self-esteem and create lasting emotional scars. Even the transitional phases of education, such as changing schools or graduating, can evoke feelings of insecurity and loss and for some these cumulative pressures become too much to bear.
Family dynamics also play a crucial role in shaping mental health. A challenging or difficult home environment can undermine a young person’s sense of security and self-worth. Experiences such as divorce or relationship breakdown, poverty, abuse, or violence can lead to deep-seated feelings of rejection, guilt, and anger. If these circumstances are compounded by difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships, young people may become further isolated from sources of support.
And yet, despite the growing prevalence of depression, many young people struggle to talk about it. Shame, stigma, and a lack of understanding about mental health often prevent them from seeking help. As adolescence is a time when autonomy and independence become a priority, young people may fear that admitting how they feel makes them appear weak or dependent. With insecurity further fueled by concerns regarding friends’, family’s, or potential employers’ perceptions of them, for many, it may feel safer to stay silent than to risk judgment or rejection.
Another barrier to seeking help is the lack of mental health literacy. Many young people, along with their parents and teachers, struggle to distinguish between typical teenage behaviour and symptoms of depression. This confusion can delay recognition and intervention, and even when young people are aware they need help they may not know where to turn or how to start the conversation. Feelings of embarrassment, shyness, or hopelessness create additional obstacles for young people who may be particularly wary of upsetting their loved ones.
Compared with previous generations, while young people today are more independent they are also more isolated as traditional support networks such as close-knit families and communities have become less common. Although increased autonomy is empowering in some respects, this societal shift may well have influenced the mental health crisis as it can leave young people without the guidance and emotional safety nets they need to navigate life’s challenges.
So, what can be done to help?
Firstly, the environments in which young people are present need to encourage openness and understanding. Schools, families, and communities surely have a shared responsibility to foster conversations about mental health, reduce stigma, and ensure that young people know where to find help. It’s crucial to acknowledge that depression is not a weakness but a condition that requires care and treatment just like any other, and with the right support, recovery is not just possible – it’s probable.
By promoting empathy and prioritising mental health education, we can help young people feel less alone. If we can create spaces where vulnerability is met with compassion rather than judgment, we stand a better chance of turning the tide on an insidious and debilitating mental health predicament so that no one, young or old, feels that they must face depression alone.
At We Are Footprint we are well aware that many of the people we work with may have mental health issues, so we put in place strategies to help actively support and promote employee wellness. We have a dedicated Aftercare and Well-being Manager, as well as a number of certified Mental Health First Aiders within the business.
