Wales seeing sharp rise in youth mental health issues
Public Health Wales has reported a continued rise in mental health difficulties among children and young people in Wales.
The findings are published in a new joint statement on children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, produced with experts from across the UK and with young people from the Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health at Cardiff University.
The report says emotional difficulties, including anxiety and depression, have seen the largest increases. It notes that these trends began long before the COVID 19 pandemic.
According to the review, the proportion of children and young people with a diagnosable mental health condition has risen from one in ten in 2004 to one in five in 2023.
The statement highlights a range of pressures, including family poverty, social inequality, academic demands, parental mental health difficulties and the influence of digital technology.
It also points to the role of community connection, trusted relationships and access to creative or physical activity as protective factors.
The evidence brings together research from Wales, the UK and internationally, along with contributions from young people.
It stresses the need to focus on wellbeing from the earliest years so families receive the right help and young people grow up in supportive environments.
Emily van de Venter, Lead Consultant in Mental Wellbeing for Public Health Wales, said: “Although the level of need is concerning, I have lots of hope in our ability to improve outcomes for children and young people in Wales.”
“The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wales puts an important focus on improving timely access to mental health services and support as well as improving the social and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.”
“We need to help children and young people to feel hopeful about the future, to feel connected to and accepted in their communities and to be able to access support as early as possible when they are struggling.”
Professor Stephan Collishaw, from the Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health at Cardiff University, said:
“Evidence shows a concerning rise in mental health problems in young people. Family poverty, social inequality, lack of timely mental health support, and increased social and academic stressors all play a role.”
“This is also reflected in the experiences of young people who helped create this joint statement. Improving young people’s mental wellbeing is not only a moral imperative but also represents a strategic investment in our collective future.”
“When we nurture mental health, we unlock young people’s educational potential, strengthen long-term health, and enrich the social fabric of our communities.”
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy for Wales 2025 to 2035 sets out a long term approach focused on prevention, early intervention and tackling the root causes of poor mental health.
The statement has been endorsed by Rocío Cifuentes MBE, Children’s Commissioner for Wales.
Public Health Wales says it will support delivery of the strategy through work with Welsh Government, the NHS and wider organisations.
This includes producing a detailed report on the mental health needs of babies, children and young people, supporting whole school approaches to emotional wellbeing, helping organisations apply the Trauma Informed Wales Framework and supporting action to reduce child poverty and widen access to wellbeing activities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health difficulties, help and support are available:
- NHS 111 (press 2) – for urgent access to a mental health professional. The service is available for people of all ages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all areas of Wales.
- CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales – offers confidential emotional support and advice to individuals and families, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Freephone 0800 132 737 or text “help” to 81066. More information is available at www.callhelpline.org.uk
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