Why Are Young People So Disengaged? The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Behind Capitalist Realism

Across the globe, young people face unprecedented levels of anxiety, depression, and political disengagement. What connects these trends is a broader social and economic system that Mark Fisher calls capitalist realism—the sense that capitalism is the only game in town. But why does this system breed such widespread psychological distress?

Fisher’s concept of 'reflexive impotence' provides a key insight: young people are not ignorant or indifferent; rather, they are painfully aware of the systemic injustices and crises around them yet feel utterly powerless to change anything. This awareness, rather than spurring activism, often leads to withdrawal, despair, and a turn toward momentary pleasures that offer no real escape.

Education systems mirror this dynamic. Once imagined as engines of empowerment, many schools and colleges have become market labs where performance targets, funding pressures, and bureaucratic oversight dominate. Students navigate fragmented schedules, distracted classrooms, and conflicting demands from teachers caught between authority and entertainment roles. The result is a generation caught in a liminal space, wired for instant gratification but struggling with sustained attention and meaning-making.

Meanwhile, the labor market has shifted toward precarious, flexible jobs with no long-term security. The family, traditionally a source of stability, faces contradictory pressures as capitalism demands emotional and reproductive labor while undermining social cohesion. Mental health disorders, especially depression and bipolar disorder, have surged in this context, reflecting the psychological toll of economic instability and social fragmentation.

This blog draws on multiple sources to paint a comprehensive picture of how capitalist realism shapes mental health and subjectivity, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change and renewed political engagement.

For a detailed exploration of these themes, see Mark Fisher’s writings and analyses from brieflane.com and nosiarch.wordpress.com. 1 2