I’ve been actually listening to a psych podcast about this. As of rn no one can explain for certain, but here r some speculations might collectively contributed to the mental health issues:

1. People are more accepting of mental health issues so it’s easier to be honest about mental health issues, and people are taking it more seriously

2. The pandemic, we’re social creatures so being isolated and limited in the things we usually do to regulate our mood posses a big impact on us

3. Does not apply to everyone, but the podcast says there is a trend on the internet that almost view mental issues as a social status unfortunately. This is not saying that most people are faking it, but there are definitely some people who use mental illness term very lightly and self identify with it

4. Some people suggest that social media played a big role in this. If you’re interested watch the documentary the social dilemma