A study published in The Lancet reports that nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide suffer from mental illnesses, almost double the number from 30 years ago. Psychiatrist Friedrich Stiefel argues that this increase does not necessarily mean people’s lives have worsened, but rather reflects different forms of distress caused by modern crises such as energy, security, and climate issues. He notes that while loss has always been part of life, today’s challenges involve a loss of trust, safety, and relationship with nature. Stiefel also highlights gender differences in seeking psychological help, noting women are more likely to accept assistance than men. He suggests three potential solutions to address these growing concerns.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of mental health trends, citing expert opinion without overtly favoring any political ideology. It explores both possible causes (modern crises vs. improved detection) and offers non-partisan recommendations. While some elements like climate crisis and loss





