A new report warns that by 2030, nearly two-thirds of teenagers in the UK could be diagnosed with mental health problems.
According to analysis by Zurich Insurance, currently around 51% of young people aged 15–19 struggle with mental or behavioural disorders, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. If current trends continue, this figure could reach up to 64% in the coming years.
A growing crisis
Mental health has become the leading cause of long-term disability in the UK, directly impacting on the rise in social benefits. Data shows that hundreds of thousands of young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and a significant proportion of them report mental health problems.
Experts warn that without immediate intervention, this situation could negatively impact productivity, economic growth, and social mobility in the future.
Is it being overdiagnosed?
Some experts raise concerns that there may be an "overdiagnosis" of mental health problems. Professor Will Shield points out that there is a risk that the normal experience of adolescence is treated as a medical problem.
According to him, social, economic pressures and the influence of social networks have led young people to more often define themselves through mental health categories.
Growing demand for services
Since 2020, the number of young people seeking help from mental health services on the NHS has doubled. In recent years alone, over a million minors have sought support, while referrals for psychological therapy have increased significantly.
However, millions of people still do not receive the help they need, while the number of anxiety cases is expected to increase further in the coming years.
Influencing factors
The report identifies several main reasons for the deterioration of mental health among young people: the use of social networks, academic pressure, economic insecurity, and changes in social perception towards these issues.
Compared to other countries like Germany or Australia, British youth experience higher levels of mental health problems.
The need for action
Experts emphasize that without strong policies and investments in psychological support, the situation could deteriorate significantly. The increasing number of young people outside the education system and the labor market is another worrying indicator for the future.
In conclusion, the report highlights that the mental health of young people is becoming a major social and economic challenge, requiring urgent and coordinated intervention. /GazetaExpress/
t7 live
