More than 135,000 children in Wales estimated to have a diagnosable mental health condition
More than 135,000 children and young people in Wales are estimated to have a diagnosable mental health condition, a new Public Health Wales report has found.
The report, published today,Wednesday 20 May, estimates that 1 in 6 children aged 8 to 10, 1 in 5 aged 11 to 16, and 1 in 4 aged 17 to 24 in Wales have a diagnosable mental health condition.
An estimated 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 2 trans or gender-questioning secondary school learners are experiencing low mental wellbeing.
The largest increases have been seen in emotional difficulties such as anxiety, alongside a rise in eating disorders and self-harming behaviours across all genders.
Girls, non-binary young people and those from the most deprived communities are disproportionately affected, with symptoms appearing at younger ages and becoming deeply rooted by adolescence.
Public Health Wales said even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health problems were estimated to cost the Welsh economy £4.8 billion every year, and that costs had risen since.
The report identifies child poverty, social inequality, academic pressure, parental mental health difficulties and digital technology among the factors driving the trends.
It also points to early relationships, community connection, physical activity and opportunities for creativity as protective factors.
The report places particular emphasis on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
It estimates around 25-30% of parent-infant relationships are likely to benefit from support during that period, 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.
“Our young people are our future, and they need support as they go through these challenges and it’s important that we listen to their concerns and support them.
“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.”
Simon Jones, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind Cymru, said:
“We’ve known for some time that children and young people’s mental health services haven’t been keeping up with the level of demand in Wales. Mind Cymru’s own guided self-help programme for 11-18-year-olds has shown that providing support in the right way can be transformational, with 70 per cent of participants experiencing improved wellbeing.
“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.”
Dr Jen Daffin, Policy and Campaigns Director at mental health charity Platfform, said:
“We need to recognise the impact of trauma, inequality and life experiences on mental health. It’s hard for parents to be at their best for their children when they’re worried about paying bills or keeping a roof over their heads.
“This is how we can turn the tide on the rising levels of mental ill health and protect future generations here in Wales.”
The Royal College of Nursing has also published new analysis today, focused on emergency departments in England, which found around half a million children and young people across the UK presented to NHS emergency departments in a mental health crisis since 2019.
RCN Wales said similar pressures were being seen in Wales, with children and young people in crisis still ending up in A&E because of gaps and inconsistencies in community mental health support.
Nicola Williams, RCN Wales Executive Director, said:
“We are seeing a similar rise in mental health crises among children and young people. In response, in Wales we have developed nurse-led initiatives that provide effective alternatives to hospital admission, supporting young people in more appropriate and less restrictive settings. These approaches are already demonstrating positive outcomes. These need to be replicated, adequately funded and staffed and rolled out so they exist across the country.”
The RCN said Welsh Government-backed initiatives, including sanctuary hubs, crisis outreach teams and youth mental health hubs, were providing open-access support in safer and more appropriate settings.
In Powys, a CAMHS Sanctuary Hwb pilot service offers an alternative to A&E for young people in crisis, with funding confirmed until 31 March 2027.
The RCN said the services now need sustainable funding, staffing and wider rollout across Wales.
Help and support are available.
NHS 111, with the option pressed for mental health, offers urgent access to a mental health professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for people of all ages across Wales.
The CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales offers confidential emotional support 24/7 on Freephone 0800 132 737.
Text “help” to 81066 or visit callhelpline.org.uk for more information.
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