But let’s assume this survey is entirely accurate and young women really are suffering this much from mental illness. Why is it getting worse? I share Spiked Editor Joanna Williams’ theory that victimhood culture is a contributing factor.

Williams argues that a constant bombardment of advertisements and awareness campaigns has made people think that the common ups and downs of life aren’t normal and need to be treated (or self-diagnosed).

“Obviously, if someone is suffering from a mental health problem then they need to have the best help and support put in place as quickly as possible. But there comes a point where all the awareness raising creates more problems than it solves,” Williams wrote. “We risk losing the ability to discriminate between the emotional ups and downs that are part of growing up on the one hand and serious conditions on the other. We tell children that feeling stressed or anxious from time to time is not normal but something they need special help to deal with.”

She also discusses how having a mental illness today gets someone attention, sympathy and applause.