What is driving the global mental health decline?

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A new report reveals that the developing nations’ mental health status is declining compared to that of African nations.

The Global Mind Health in 2025 report, released by Sapien Labs identified several trends that appear to be weighing heavily on the mental wellbeing of younger generations around the world.

One of the most significant shifts is the rise of the smartphone era. Generation Z is the first cohort to grow up entirely surrounded by smartphones.

According to the report, the earlier young people begin using smartphones, the greater the likelihood they will experience problems later in life, including increased suicidal thoughts, aggression and emotional instability.

In Finland, children receive their first phone at an average age of 10.

In contrast, in countries such as Tanzania and Uganda, the average age of first smartphone ownership is 18, a gap that researchers believe may help explain some of the regional differences in mental well-being.

Diet also appears to play an important role.

The report links high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) with poorer emotional control and higher levels of depression.

“Mind health declines systematically with consumption of these products; after controlling for other factors, they are estimated to contribute 15 to 30 percent of the mental health burden,” the report states.

Social relationships, particularly within families, remain another powerful influence.

The research found that individuals with weak family relationships are almost four times more likely to experience serious mental distress than those with strong family connections.

Spirituality also emerged as a significant factor. Among young adults aged 18 to 34, those who reported a strong sense of spiritual connection often recorded MHQ scores 20 points higher than those without.

Tanzania currently leads the world in this category.

Rethinking the mental health response

For Dr Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, the findings challenge some of the assumptions behind current mental health policies.

“In the US, spending on mental health research and care has risen dramatically, by billions of dollars,” she said. “And while important, it’s not moving the needle.”

The problem, she argues, is that societies often focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing the deeper conditions shaping young people’s lives.

“We need to stop chasing the symptoms and instead begin tackling the broader problems that erode the productivity and well-being of young adults,” she said.

Prof. David Blanchflower, an economist at Dartmouth College -US, said the scale of the findings should serve as a warning to policymakers worldwide.

“When you see evidence that almost half of all young adults globally, the heart of the workforce, are struggling with an array of mental health challenges, that means we are facing a crisis that can undermine the health of entire economies and societies,” he said.

“It’s a clear signal that we need to act to address the root causes.”

Lessons from Africa

For African societies — including countries like Uganda, where smartphones arrived later and family structures remain comparatively strong — the findings offer a moment of quiet validation.

The continent often appears in global rankings through the lens of economic hardship. Yet when it comes to the resilience of its youth, the data tells a different story.

With developing nations grappling with a growing mental health crisis, Africa may be offering an unexpected lesson: that wellbeing is shaped not only by wealth, but by the strength of relationships, community and the rhythms of everyday life. It is a reminder to rich nations that families and strong social relationships are invaluable, after all. Life is not about numbers, wealth and individualism.

And for a generation coming of age in uncertain times, those invisible foundations may matter more than ever.