Experts note a new wave of mental health challenges among today’s generation, with anorexia, self-harm, and what is described as a loss of drive or profit syndrome appearing more frequently. In discussions with Gazeta, Vadim Gagin, a psychiatrist in the department of psychiatry at the Human Brain Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlighted these trends as increasingly prominent in clinical practice.
Self-harm, in particular, has emerged as a distinct phenomenon that goes beyond traditional expressions of distress. It refers to intentional acts that cause self-injury as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or difficult life experiences. The behavior can take many forms, including cuts, burns, hair-pulling, and other painful acts. Medical professionals are noting rising concerns about self-harming behaviors and anorexia, especially among younger women, compared with five decades ago.
Gagin explained that while these patterns are not entirely new, the current rates are far from what they were decades ago. Clinicians report seeing this struggle in daily practice, emphasizing that the experience often centers on youths grappling with intense pressures and emotional turmoil.
He pointed to the modern information environment as a major factor shaping adolescent mood. The abundance of online content related to dieting, beauty standards, and body image can romanticize eating disorders and make them feel like a viable path for some teenagers. This cultural scripting can complicate prevention and treatment efforts, underscoring the need for robust support systems and credible information sources for families and schools.
Another evolving issue is what clinicians refer to as the loss of profit syndrome. This term describes a form of emotional anxiety tied to the fear of being left behind by peers or the urge to access benefits that others do not receive. The wide array of opportunities, expectations, and ambitions fuels this anxiety and can contribute to a pervasive sense of inadequacy. The accompanying stress can heighten worry, mood fluctuations, and volatility in emotional states, particularly among young adults striving for achievement in a fast-paced society.
Experts emphasize that the rise of ambition and the relentless pursuit of productivity play a central role in these trends. The social and economic climate today fosters high goals, yet the pressure to meet them can be overwhelming. This pressure is not limited to personal ambition; it reshapes how young people define success and measure their own progress against others, leading to heightened vulnerability to mental health difficulties. The discussion around these issues continues as clinicians seek effective strategies to support youths, promote resilience, and provide careful, compassionate care to those in need [citation: socialbites.ca].