Why Are Young People's Minds Exhausted?—59% Feel Psychological Burden, the "Support" Questioned in the Era of AI Consultation

The survey results concerning the mental state of young people in Switzerland are spreading a quiet shock. According to reports, 59% of the 18-24 age group feel a psychological burden, and 39% have already received a clinical diagnosis. Looking at the numbers alone, this is not just "youth troubles." It indicates that the generation standing at the entrance to society is already living their daily lives with deep fatigue and anxiety.

These results are based on the Mind Health Report 2026 published by AXA. The survey was conducted on adults in 18 countries, covering a wide range of topics such as the deterioration of mental health, screen time, AI usage, and support systems in workplaces and society. Globally, job instability and financial anxiety emerge as major stress factors, while Switzerland shows slightly different characteristics. The biggest stress factor cited was not work but "parenting."

Reports indicate that 45% of Swiss respondents cited parenting as their main stress factor, followed by future anxiety at 43% and financial worries at 42%. This shows that mental health issues are not confined to young people alone. The parent generation is overwhelmed with parenting, while the younger generation is being crushed by anxiety about the future and social participation. A complex overlap of home, school, workplace, economic environment, and digital space is eroding mental space.

Particularly noteworthy are the figures for the 18-24 age group. The results showing that 59% feel a psychological burden and 39% have been diagnosed indicate that mental health is not a problem for just a few individuals but a widespread issue affecting the entire generation. Young people are generally seen as having physical strength, flexibility, and moving towards the future. However, in reality, they are exposed to many pressures such as education, employment, family relationships, economic anxiety, social comparison, and digital evaluation.

Screen time is also a major point of discussion. The average screen time in Switzerland is reported to be 4.1 hours per day, shorter than the global average of 5.1 hours. Nevertheless, two-thirds of respondents feel a negative mental impact from screen use. Among the younger generation, this proportion is even higher, with 93% reportedly experiencing some negative effects. Specifically, these include decreased sleep quality, reduced concentration, and mood declines.

What is important here is not to simply dismiss it as "smartphones are bad" or "SNS is bad." Smartphones and SNS are places for learning, interaction, job searching, information gathering, and self-expression for young people. For lonely individuals, they can also be a means to connect with the outside world. The problem is that the digital space has become a source of self-evaluation and anxiety rather than a supplementary line to life.

Opening SNS reveals a constant stream of others' successes, seemingly enjoyable lives, polished appearances, exciting news, and posts that provoke anger. It feels as if only you are falling behind. It feels like you'll be left out if you don't do something. You look at the screen before sleeping and again when you wake up. While you think you're gaining information, you're unknowingly amplifying anxiety. If this state continues, there will be less time for the mind to rest.

On the other hand, reports point out that the worsening of mental health also affects social security and the economy. In Switzerland, the number of disability insurance cases related to mental reasons reportedly increased by 78% between 2021 and 2025. Mental issues extend beyond personal suffering, impacting healthcare, welfare, the labor market, and corporate productivity. Continuing to treat mental health as a matter of "individual spirit" or "character issues" could result in a significant loss for society as a whole.

Furthermore, the large number of people not connecting to support cannot be overlooked. According to AXA's announcement, 43% of those who might be struggling mentally did not consult a medical professional that year. Reasons include feeling that medical support is unnecessary, high costs, and lack of time. Swiss reports also show that many people consider treatment unnecessary or are concerned about costs.

AI is stepping into this "consultation gap." According to AXA's announcement, 61% of people worldwide are already using AI for mental health inquiries. Reports indicate that 55% in Switzerland are using AI for mental health-related matters. It is available for free or at low cost, 24/7, and allows for anonymous consultation. This convenience is attractive for those who find it psychologically challenging to consult experts.

However, AI consultation has its pros and cons. According to AXA's announcement, while 55% are satisfied with AI advice, there are also those who felt discomfort from AI advice or reported it led to harmful behavior. Additionally, 38% said they trust AI platforms more than mental health professionals. In other words, while many acknowledge the convenience of AI, they do not see it as a replacement for human experts.

This point is also being debated on SNS. Public posts on LinkedIn highlight the reality of young people using AI chatbots for mental health consultations, with a prominent view that "AI is filling the gap in access to medical care and counseling." Especially for young people with psychological barriers such as cost, waiting time, embarrassment, and not wanting parents or others to know, AI tends to be the first receptacle.

A researcher's post suggests that over 5 million teens and young adults in the U.S. might be using AI chatbots like ChatGPT, SnapAI, and Claude for mental health consultations. Comments in the thread emphasize that "simply looking at usage rates is not enough to understand how young people are using AI." Whether they are seeking advice, looking for treatment information, or just using it as someone to vent to needs to be discerned.

Additionally, responses from mental health app stakeholders indicate that "people turn to AI because they first want someone to listen when they are struggling." It is noted that conversation with AI alone does not lead to fundamental solutions, and even if one temporarily feels better, if the skills to face difficulties in real life are not developed, they will return to the same distress. This perspective suggests that while AI can be a "band-aid," it has limitations in supporting long-term recovery and growth.

Conversely, many from the expert and clinical fields suggest not to completely dismiss AI but to use it as a tool to supplement human experts. For example, using AI to keep mood records, guide simple cognitive-behavioral therapy-based exercises, organize one's concerns before counseling, or encourage consultation with specialized institutions is considered useful.

However, there is criticism on SNS that the term "AI therapy" is being used too loosely. Whether AI completely replaces human therapists, serves as a tool to supplement experts, or supports user self-care are entirely different. Yet, when lumped together as "AI providing mental care," responsibility and safety become ambiguous.

For those in particularly severe states, AI advice is not always safe. AI can return empathetic words but cannot comprehensively read facial expressions, silences, life backgrounds, or signs of crisis like human experts. If the consultant is in a dangerous state, it is crucial to connect them to appropriate emergency responses. On SNS, while acknowledging AI's potential as emotional support, there is repeated caution against leaving crisis response and clinical judgment to AI.

This issue is not just about young people. The parent generation is also under strong stress. The fact that parenting was cited as the biggest stress factor in Switzerland is symbolic. Education, future, household finances, balancing work, and adapting to the digital environment. Parents worry about their children's screen time while being unable to detach themselves from screens due to work and family communications. Parental exhaustion affects the atmosphere at home and also impacts children's mental health.

Reports also touch on the increase in psychiatric consultations for children and young people. Observational data from Switzerland indicates a significant increase in psychiatric consultations and outpatient psychiatric visits for children and young people from 2006 to 2017, with pressures from school, family burdens, digitalization, and social media cited as background factors. The mental crisis among young people did not suddenly appear. Long-term accumulated changes in the social environment are now surfacing as numbers.

So, how should we perceive these results?

Firstly, we need to stop viewing mental health as a "problem for weak people." If 59% feel burdened, it is not a matter of individual character but an environmental issue. Creating an atmosphere in schools and workplaces where mental health issues can be discussed early. Establishing systems where those who consult are not disadvantaged. Increasing entry points to connect with experts. Such efforts are essential.

Secondly, screen usage needs to be considered not just as a matter of time but of quality. It's not just about how many hours a day you watch, but what you watch, how you feel afterward, and how it affects sleep and relationships that are important. Using SNS itself is not bad. However, an environment where you constantly expose yourself to materials that make you blame yourself exhausts the mind. Small adjustments like turning off notifications, avoiding use before bed, and distancing from accounts that invite comparison can be steps to reclaim mental space.

Thirdly, do not view AI as either an "enemy" or a "savior." AI might help lonely people organize their thoughts. It might be the first step towards consultation. However, relying solely on AI for those with severe anxiety, depression, self-harm risk, trauma, or addiction is dangerous. AI should be used as an entry or supplement, connecting with human experts, family, friends, schools, and workplace support.

Fourthly, the role of companies and schools is significant. According to AXA's announcement, 88% of 18-24-year-olds are willing to participate in mental health and well-being support programs provided by employers. This indicates that young people are not rejecting support. Rather, many would like to use support if it is safe and accessible. The problem lies in not knowing about the support, finding it difficult to use, or fearing being perceived as weak for using it.

The biggest question posed by this report is not "Why have young people's minds become weaker?" but rather, "Why have we considered a society where young people become so exhausted to be normal?" Grades, employment, income, appearance, friendships, future planning, information dissemination. Young people are constantly evaluated, compared, and forced to make choices. Moreover, much of this arrives incessantly through smartphone screens.

Mental issues progress quietly. A person who was laughing yesterday may not be able to laugh the same way today. Someone who looks energetic on SNS may not actually be energetic. That's why it's necessary to imagine each individual behind the numbers. The 59% figure is not a statistic from a distant country but a common alarm that modern society faces.

The era where AI becomes a mental consultation partner has already begun. However, ultimately, what supports people is not just efficient answers. It is a place where one can talk safely, relationships where one is accepted without denial, pathways to connect with experts when needed, and a social atmosphere that allows for rest. If we are to genuinely address the mental health crisis among young people, we must reconsider not "try harder" but "how can we support each other together."

Source URL

Referencing ad-hoc-news.de: Reports on psychological burdens, diagnosis rates, parenting stress, screen time, and AI usage among young people in Switzerland.
https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/wissenschaft/junge-erwachsene-59-prozent-psychisch-belastet-39-prozent-diagnostiziert/69485089

AXA Official Press Release: Overview of the Mind Health Report 2026. Survey of 19,000 people in 18 countries, screen time, AI mental health consultations, and the percentage of people not consulting experts.
https://www.axa.com/en/press/press-releases/2026-mind-health-report

AXA Official Website: Used for confirming the Mind Health Report 2026 page and PDF information.
https://www.axa.com/

LinkedIn / Post by Ryan McBain: Referencing the reality of young people and young adults using AI chatbots for mental health consultations and SNS reactions such as "the need to understand the purpose of use."
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ryan-mcbain-a285b72a_our-newest-study-indicates-that-more-than-activity-7399476113137360898-8coa

LinkedIn / Post by Ghenwa Yehia: Referencing SNS discussions on the convenience, safety, and risks to vulnerable users of AI chatbot mental health usage.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ghenwa-yehia-m-s-a5b176142_ai-chatbots-have-pervaded-the-mental-health-activity-7393514731778678784-gLj7

LinkedIn / Post by Zac Imel: Referencing professional reactions on SNS suggesting AI should be organized as a technology to supplement human experts rather than as a "therapist replacement."
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/zac-imel-a01aab13_a-framework-for-automation-in-psychotherapy-activity-7424166841876414464-z8jX