How America can lead itself out of its mental health crisis

Fox News - Apr 24th, 2025
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Dr. Leonard Sax appeared on 'Fox & Friends Weekend' to discuss the increasing rates of anxiety and depression among young people, which he attributes in part to current parenting styles and shifts in therapeutic approaches. Sax argues that the mental health crisis in America is exacerbated by a culture that conflates genuine mental illness with ordinary emotional discomfort, promoting fragility rather than resilience. This cultural shift, he suggests, has been influenced by media and societal changes, including the widespread adoption of DEI ideologies which have altered the focus of therapy from building personal resilience to addressing systemic injustices.

The implications of this shift are significant, as Sax argues it has fostered a mindset that promotes victimhood and helplessness, leaving individuals unprepared to face real-world challenges. He emphasizes the need for therapy that encourages personal accountability and action, rather than reinforcing feelings of oppression. Sax calls for a return to traditional values of self-reliance and resilience, which he believes are foundational to American success and well-being. By challenging current mental health practices and promoting community and family strength, Sax envisions a pathway to rebuilding a more resilient and united society.

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RATING

4.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a thought-provoking perspective on the mental health crisis, emphasizing the importance of resilience and personal agency. However, it lacks balance and relies heavily on subjective opinions without sufficient empirical support. While it addresses a timely and relevant topic, the absence of diverse viewpoints and supporting evidence limits its accuracy and overall impact. The article is clear and engaging, with the potential to provoke meaningful discussion, but it could benefit from more comprehensive sourcing and transparency. Its controversial stance on therapy practices and DEI ideology makes it a significant contribution to ongoing debates, though it must be approached with a critical eye to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the issues at hand.

RATING DETAILS

4
Accuracy

The article makes several factual claims that require verification, such as the assertion that 29% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, which is said to be up nearly 10% since 2015. This specific statistic needs confirmation from reliable sources like Gallup Polls or health statistics, as mental health data can vary widely depending on the methodology and definitions used. Additionally, the claim that therapy has shifted from fostering resilience to focusing on systemic injustice lacks direct evidence from professional mental health organizations. The article's discussion on the impact of DEI ideology on the mental health field is another area needing more substantiation, as it presents a broad assertion without detailed evidence. Overall, while the article addresses real concerns about mental health trends, it relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and generalized claims that should be backed by more rigorous data.

5
Balance

The article presents a singular perspective on the mental health crisis, primarily focusing on the negative impact of what it terms 'grievance-based therapy' and DEI ideology. It does not offer a balanced view by including alternative perspectives or acknowledging the complexities of mental health issues. For instance, while it critiques modern therapy practices, it does not consider the potential benefits of addressing systemic injustices within therapeutic contexts. The narrative is heavily weighted towards promoting resilience and self-reliance, potentially overlooking the valid experiences of those who benefit from therapy that acknowledges societal factors. The lack of diverse viewpoints limits the article's balance, as it does not fully explore the multifaceted nature of mental health care.

6
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, with a straightforward tone that communicates the author's viewpoint effectively. However, the use of emotionally charged language, such as 'victimhood' and 'emotional lightweights,' may detract from the neutrality of the presentation. The logical flow is somewhat disrupted by the lack of supporting evidence for key claims, which can lead to confusion for readers seeking a more nuanced understanding of the issues discussed. While the article's main points are easy to follow, the clarity is compromised by the absence of detailed explanations and supporting data.

3
Source quality

The article relies on the author's personal experiences as a psychotherapist, which provides a subjective viewpoint but lacks broader empirical support. There are no references to studies, expert opinions, or authoritative sources that could lend credibility to the claims made. The absence of diverse and authoritative sources diminishes the article's reliability, as it does not provide the reader with verifiable information or a comprehensive view of the mental health landscape. The reliance on anecdotal evidence and opinion weakens the overall quality of the sources used.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of disclosing the basis for its claims and the methodology behind the statistics cited. There is no explanation of how the figures were obtained or what criteria were used to define terms like 'grievance-based therapy.' The author's potential biases as a psychotherapist and author of a forthcoming book are not explicitly disclosed, which could impact impartiality. The lack of clear sourcing and context for the assertions made reduces the transparency of the article, making it difficult for readers to assess the validity of the information presented.

Sources

  1. https://www.nssbehavioralhealth.com/nss-blog-the-state-of-mental-health-in-america-2023-adult-prevalence-and-access-to-care/
  2. https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/2023-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf
  3. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
  4. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
  5. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/about/what-cdc-is-doing.html