By Charlotte Jane Doherty

Mental health in young people has become one of the most pressing public health issues in the United Kingdom over recent years.

According to NHS England Digital, one in five young people in England aged 8 to 25 had a probable mental problem disorder in 2023.

New surveys show that 20.3 per cent of this number were aged 8 to 16. Experts are describing this situation as a crisis, and this data highlights the large increase from previous years.

There are very distinct patterns in the prevalence of youth mental health in the UK. When it comes to behavioural issues stemming from mental disorders, it is more common in young men.

However, young women are more likely to develop emotional disorders such as anxiety or depression.

According to NHS England Digital, rates of young people with mental health disorders were twice as high in young women at 31.6%, as in young men at 15.4%, aged from 17 to 19 years old.

Research indicates that female adolescents often perceive these mental problems as “normal”, usually influenced by social norms, especially in the new age of social media expectations.

Studies by the University College London reveal that most young adults in Britain (64%) say they have experienced mental health difficulties, with 32% expect to need support in the next year.

Contributing factors include pressure from social and financial situations, such as poverty and a lack of support, both of which are common in the UK.

While there is an opportunity to get help for these mental illnesses, a YouGov survey reveals that 55% of young people say barriers like fear and embarrassment prevent them from reaching out for help.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) is part of the NHS in the UK, designed to support young people experiencing emotional, behavioural, or mental health issues.

The Government aims for 90% of CAMHS patients to receive treatment within 18 weeks of referral, but this isn’t always what happens.

New analysis of NHS England data reveals that 78,577 young people referred to CAMHS waited over a year for treatment in 2024, with a large percentage having their referral closed before accessing support.

Waiting over a year for support can lead to a serious further decline in the mental state for anyone, especially a young person.

These waiting times can put people off from even seeking professional help in the first place, contributing massively to the rising numbers of young people who have mental illness.

New data from the World Health Organisation reveals a sharp rise in problematic social media use amongst adolescents.

This is paired with data that 12% of young people are at risk of problematic media, which raises concerns that the impact of social media can be detrimental to the mental health and well-being of young people.

Social media can cause mental problems for young people, especially for young women, when they are faced with very unrealistic beauty standards set by influencers.

This can lead young people to feel bad about themselves and their lives, as they do not live or look like the people they see on social media.

Failing to address adolescent mental health concerns can extend to adulthood, therefore, limiting opportunities by decaying mental and physical health further.

The NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rate is a significant indicator of mental illnesses, it has also been on the rise in recent years. This number now stands at around 1 million young people not in education, employment or training.

This trend is pushed by long-term illness in young people carrying on into later life. Prevalence isn’t always just about the numbers it can affect people’s futures, their education and their career paths.

Although this issue is not completely reversible, some steps can be taken to prevent it from growing at the current rate. According to NHS England Digital, the NHS has introduced 398 support teams in schools and colleges for people battling mental health issues, covering 35% of students in further education.

This can help to reduce academic pressure that may be deteriorating students' mental health, and some young people may feel more comfortable talking about their problems in a place they are familiar with, like their school.

The NHS also has a long-term plan to increase funding for CAMHS. This aims to provide over 300,000 more children and young adults with NHS-funded mental health services over the next five years.

This advanced funding can lead to more tailored support for young people, enabling them to address specific needs. Better mental health services can contribute to young people's well-being over the long term, helping them navigate their challenges more effectively.

Youth mental health in rapid decline