A new report by Public Health Wales has found that more than 135,000 children and young people in Wales are estimated to have a diagnosable mental health condition
The new report shows a growing mental health crisis in Wales(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)
A growing number of children and young people in Wales are struggling with their mental health, according to a new report by Public Health Wales. The largest increases have been seen in those struggling with anxiety, eating disorders and self-harming behaviour.
The report found that more than 135,000 children and young people in Wales are estimated to have a diagnosable mental health condition. Girls, non-binary young people, and those from the most deprived communities were all found to be disproportionately affected.
In the Health Needs Assessment: Mental Health of Babies, Children and Young People in Wales report, it estimates that one in six children aged eight to 10, one in five aged 11 to 16, and one in four aged 17 to 24, have a diagnosable mental health condition.
It also estimates that one in four girls and one in two trans or gender-questioning secondary school learners are experiencing low mental wellbeing. Stay informed on the latest health news by signing up to our newsletter here.
Some of the factors which the report highlights as driving these trends included child poverty, social inequality, academic pressure, parental mental health difficulties and digital technology.
They also stressed the importance of early relationships, community connection, physical activity and opportunities for creativity as protective factors.
The report also emphasises how important strengthening parent-infant relationships are and said investing in early years support is both cost-effective and delivers lasting benefits for children’s social, emotional and developmental outcomes.
The report said that around 25–30 per cent of parent-infant relationships are likely to benefit from support in the first 1,000 days, but two thirds are unlikely to receive that support before the age of two.
Emily van de Venter, Lead Consultant in Mental Wellbeing for Public Health Wales, said: “There are too many children and young people in Wales who are experiencing distress, low mental wellbeing and mental health conditions.
“These young people have faced huge challenges including the pandemic, financial insecurity and challenging digital environments.
“Mental wellbeing needs to be placed at the heart of social, economic and environmental policy and that starts from the very early years of life.”
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health problems were estimated to cost the Welsh economy £4.8 billion each year. This has risen since.
Simon Jones, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind Cymru, said: “What Public Health Wales’ findings show us is that the baseline level of need today is such that there must now be a relentless focus on, and investment in, tackling the barriers to accessing support children and young people continue to face, and we look forward to working with a range of partners to help achieve this.”
The new report uses the newest data and evidence to set out the scale of mental health need across all life stages and makes recommendations for coordinated action across health, education, and wider public services.
Useful numbers for dealing with your mental health
There’s help available if you need it:
Mind Cymru infoline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. To contact them call 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (in the UK and Republic of Ireland this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
C.A.L.L. (Community Advice & Listening Line) offers emotional support and information/literature on mental health and related matters to the people of Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737 or through the website.
The NHS offers help and advice through its 111 service.