Welcome to the European Parliamentary Research Service podcasts.

In this podcast, we will delve into the declining mental health of the EU's young people,

one of the 15 risks identified and analysed by the EPRS in their future shocks 2020 report.

Want to know more? Stay with us.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the return of war to Europe, the energy crisis, the rising

cost of living, all on top of a climate crisis, today's young Europeans are growing up

in a volatile and difficult world.

Many of them also face difficulties, affording housing, finding a fulfilling job, or simply any job,

and just keeping their heads above water.

And underpinning all these changes and difficulties is digitalisation,

which has completely changed the rules of the game, and defined new ways to socialize, work and live. All this is taking a toll on young people's mental health.

The figures are staggering. Nine million adolescents aged 10 to 19 in Europe, that's over one in 10, live with a mental disorder,

and suicide is the second most common cause of death, claiming three young lives per day,

and it could get worse.

Because mental health is influenced by a complex mix of socioeconomic, environmental and genetic factors, all these shifts and

shocks could threaten our young people's mental health and well-being in the long term

and make a mark for the rest of their adult lives, with consequences that go far beyond

the individual.

So what can the EU do to help support mental resilience and ensure that young people

grow to become mentally sound and healthy adults?

Well, fostering social cohesion, providing societal support and solidarity is extremely important.

But first, it's important to understand the unique challenges young Europeans are facing.

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