In the early 2010s, rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide began rising sharply among adolescents, especially girls, across the U.S., UK, Canada and other Western nations. Key trends:
- Depression rates roughly tripled among teen girls and doubled among teen boys in the U.S. between 2010-2020
- Rates of self-harm nearly tripled for younger adolescent girls
- Suicide rates rose dramatically, especially for younger teen girls
- Similar patterns emerged in the UK, Canada, Australia, and across Western Europe at the same time No other theory, such as the 2008 financial crisis or concerns about school shootings and climate change, can explain this sudden, synchronized international increase in teen mental illness. The main factor that changed in the early 2010s was adolescents rapidly transitioning from basic cell phones to smartphones with social media.
Section: 1, Chapter: 1
Studies by Dr. Jim Coan and colleagues demonstrate the powerful impact of close relationships on regulating emotions and stress responses:
- Happily married women showed less stress response in their brain when holding their husband's hand during a mildly painful experience
- Unhappily married individuals showed higher blood pressure in their spouse's presence compared to being alone
When our innate attachment needs are not met, both our emotional and physical health are compromised. The lesson is to choose a partner carefully as they will literally shape our mind and body.
Section: 0, Chapter: 2
Many Vietnam war veterans continued to be haunted by their traumatic combat experiences years or decades later, unable to move on with their lives. Their trauma infiltrated every aspect of their lives, making it difficult to maintain relationships, find satisfaction in work, and control intense emotions like rage. Trauma leaves an imprint on mind, brain, and body that persists long after the original event. Healing requires finding ways to come fully alive in the present rather than remaining stuck in the past.
Section: 1, Chapter: 1
Books about Mental Health
Psychology
Mental Health
The Anxious Generation Book Summary
Jonathan Haidt
In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt traces the sudden rise of teen anxiety, depression, and self-harm to the simultaneous decline of free play and rise of smartphones. Haidt shows how restoring the pillars of a play-based childhood may be the key to reversing the mental health crisis engulfing Gen Z.
Productivity
Self-Help
Personal Development
Slow Productivity Book Summary
Cal Newport
In "Slow Productivity," Cal Newport argues that the key to producing meaningful knowledge work is rejecting busyness and distraction in favor of a more deliberate approach that prioritizes quality, focus, and a sustainable pace.
Relationships
Personal Development
Psychology
Mental Health
Attached Book Summary
Amir Levine, Rachel Heller
"Attached" uses science and psychology to show you how to find and keep love by understanding the fundamental attachment needs that drive all romantic relationships.
Mental Health
Psychology
The Body Keeps the Score Book Summary
Bessel van der Kolk
The Body Keeps the Score revolutionizes our understanding of trauma's impact and offers a science-backed roadmap to healing the mind, brain and body.
