The 'snowflake' myth is officially dead

For a long time, the vibe in political circles—driven by loud voices like former health secretary Wes Streeting—was that young people today are just "fragile" or "over-medicalizing" basic life stress. Real talk: that narrative is officially trash. Prof Peter Fonagy’s massive new review of mental health, ADHD, and autism in England just dropped, and it has absolutely zero time for the "snowflake generation" caricature.

Fonagy, who grew up dealing with his own severe depression in the 60s, is highkey protective of the current generation. He noted that today’s youth are "contending with more powerful forces" than his generation ever had to face. They aren't soft; they’re just dealing with a world that’s actively working against them.

How we got here

It’s giving systemic failure. The review points out that the surge in anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence isn't happening in a vacuum. We’re talking about the lasting shadow of COVID-19, total instability in housing and finances, and a school/social environment made toxic by high-stakes competition and social media.

To make matters worse, the safety nets that used to exist—like youth clubs and support centers—have been gutted. We’re left with a society that feels less like a community and more like a grind. It’s no wonder the vibes are off for millions of people.

The diagnostic trap

Right now, the system is obsessed with labels. You usually need a formal diagnosis to access any kind of school support or disability benefits, but waiting times are hitting a wild 64 weeks. This creates a two-tier system: if you have the cash for a private assessment, you get help. If you don't, you’re basically out of luck.

Fonagy isn't saying we should ignore diagnoses, but he is calling for a pivot. He wants to see a shift toward identifying needs and triaging support early, rather than making people jump through endless, bureaucratic hoops just to prove they’re struggling. As he put it, "Continuing as we are is not sustainable."

Why it matters

We are facing a massive collision between skyrocketing demand for mental health services and a crumbling public infrastructure. If the government keeps ignoring the root social causes while obsessing over the politics of diagnosis, the system is going to stay in a state of total L. Change is non-negotiable.