In a new paper, researchers at the University of Birmingham, argue that soaring house prices, employment uncertainty and lack of access to affordable education could all be contributing to increases in mental health problems as younger generations grapple with issues that were less prominent for their parents and grandparents.

The paper, published in Early Intervention in Psychiatry, calls on mental health practitioners to be sensitive to the intergenerational inequities that may be worsening mental health problems and consider ways of offering more focused support.

Lead author Dr. Gerald Jordan, of the University’s School of Psychology, said, “Young people are now worse off compared to their parents and their grandparents across several domains in many advanced economies and we believe there are links between these factors and increases in mental health problems among young people.”

Having access to safe, secure and affordable housing; an affordable education; labor rights; and a stable, predictable climate, are all greater uncertainties for young people than they were for older generations, with increased implications for poor mental health. These factors are seen as key economic and social indicators for positive mental health outcomes.

In addition, while some advanced economies have made investments in youth mental health, health care systems are still predominantly oriented towards supporting physical illnesses, which are more likely to affect older people.

The authors urge practitioners to be sensitive to intergenerational injustices and, in particular, consider increased, more targeted support for those with serious mental health issues such as psychosis, where patients may be particularly vulnerable to injustice.

“Youth with serious mental health issues may face significant additional challenges in accessing housing, education and finding secure, well-paid jobs—and these problems become even more pronounced when other forms of marginalization such as racism or classism are also involved,” added Dr. Jordan.

“Helping the young person to address some of these concerns would also better ensure successful recovery from serious mental health issues.”