Summary
A UN-commissioned study finds that youth happiness has declined sharply over the past decade in English-speaking countries.
Traditionally, happiness followed a U-shape, with youth being a peak period, but it now increases with age instead.
Researchers link this shift to social media, cyberbullying, and reduced social interaction.
The mental health crisis may have significant consequences that affect education, workforce participation, and productivity. The UN is investigating whether this trend is a global phenomenon.
Same here! A close friend who is going through the breakup and aftermath of an extremely toxic relationship actually validated my efforts by saying something along the lines of “There are a few people in my life who have kept me alive. I think you are one of them.” which is a heart-warmingly typical way of saying “thank you” for him. All I have done is talk to people in the way I wished others would have known how to talk to me when I was at rock bottom (or indeed after someone threw me a shovel while there). Of course I’m not blaming any of my friends for not knowing how to do such, as - and forgive me if I sound presumptuous - not that many people in general may have gone through what I have, and probably even fewer around here. Or then it’s the local style of not communicating or really even knowing how to show empathy in situations like these.