Young Men Aren’t the Only Ones Struggling

February 23, 2026

TL;DR

Young men are facing genuine struggles, including lower college enrollment, higher unemployment, and 'deaths of despair'.
The narrative that men are struggling more than women often uses women as a comparison point, highlighting their perceived successes.
In reality, young women experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, with global studies indicating worse mental health for women.
Women face significant achievement pressure, with many feeling its negative effects, and hold a disproportionate amount of student loan debt.
Despite higher education attainment, women often earn less than men with similar or lower qualifications and face barriers to leadership positions.
Young women are experiencing a crisis of identity and mental health, exacerbated by societal expectations and a perceived backlash against their equal worth.
The loss of reproductive rights and weakened access to healthcare have further impacted women's well-being and autonomy.
The article critiques the focus on traditional masculinity for men and suggests that a broader understanding of well-being is needed for both genders.
Some efforts to help young men focus on reconnecting them to traditional sources of discipline and community, rather than structural changes.

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