Young people’s mental health under pressure like never before - YoungMinds
Commenting on research published today (15th March 2012) by the Nuffield Foundation showing a significant increase in the rate of teenagers suffering from anxiety, depression and behavioural problems.
Lucie Russell, Director of Campaigns Policy and Participation, YoungMinds said:
“Young people’s mental health is under pressure like never before. With zero job prospects, university increasingly financially unviable, ever increasing pressure to follow the latest consumer trends and worrying rates of online bullying this research reflects shows just how difficult young people growing up in the 21st century.
“This bleak outlook is understandably leading to concerns about the mental health of young people. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2030 more people will be affected by depression than any other health problem yet investment in mental health remains sadly lacking, we are sitting on a mental health time-bomb and urgent action is needed to invest in mental health support services for young people.
“For every pound spent by the NHS, specific services for children and young people’s mental health receive less than a penny. It’s time we recognised that the wellbeing of young people is vital if we want to have a mentally healthy society for generations to come.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- For further information and to arrange interviews please contact Chris Leaman on 020 7089 5066 or 07813 810114 email chris.leaman@youngminds.org.uk
- YoungMinds is the UK’s leading children and young people’s mental health charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of children and young people and empowering their parents and carers. For further information go to www.youngminds.org.uk
- The Nuffield Foundation’s Changing Adolescence Programme and are published today by Policy Press in a new book, Changing Adolescence: Social trends and mental health, which explores how social change has affected young people's behaviour, mental health and transitions toward adulthood.
- The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2030 more people will be affected by depression than any other health problem. Yet most developing countries are spending less than 2% of their national budgets on mental healthcare, and Britain spends about 1.7%.
- Spending by the NHS for Mental Health Services was revealed in a parliamentary question tabled by Annette Brook MP http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm111220/text/111220w0003.htm#11122073001667
YoungMinds Parents helpline: 0808 802 5544
Keep up to date with YoungMinds. Follow us on Twitter
and make friends with us on Facebook
020 7089 5066 or chris.leaman@youngminds.org.uk
Tags: