The growing burden of mental ill health is one of the most urgent public health challenges today, and it’s clear that poor mental health can begin at an early age.
Over the past three decades, mental disorders have become more common among young people, especially in developed countries. In Europe, one in five adolescents is affected by mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, with suicide being the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 29. Similar statistics are found in the United States, where 20% of adolescents report unmet mental health care needs.
Despite the rising demand for help, medical and support services are overwhelmed, leaving many young people unable to access timely, effective, and age-appropriate care. Most children and adolescents worldwide with mental health issues never seek or receive the support they need.
The Root Causes of the Problem
There is no single cause for the rise in mental health problems, as many interconnected factors contribute to the trend. Adolescence is a critical time for mental wellbeing, and exposure to risk factors during this period can have lasting effects. These include traumatic experiences, socio-economic challenges, systemic inequalities, and gaps in healthcare access.
For example, in the UK, more than a quarter of children with potential mental health issues had a parent who couldn’t afford extracurricular activities. Additionally, poor mental health is more common in young women than young men.
The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified many of these issues, with post-pandemic anxiety leading to higher school absenteeism. However, this is just one part of the puzzle. Other societal, developmental, and structural changes are also contributing factors.
Educational policies focusing heavily on academic achievement, coupled with longer school hours, are increasing stress levels and reducing time for play, according to Professor Peter Fonagy, Head of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at University College London. At the same time, an overprotective approach to parenting, while well-meaning, has hindered young people’s ability to build resilience and emotional strength.
Social media is another source of stress, creating unrealistic standards of perfection and fueling self-comparison. Moreover, the impact of technology has led to social isolation, sleep deprivation, and a decline in physical activity, all of which contribute to conditions like depression.
The Global Call for Action
During this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, experts discussed the need for action to improve youth mental wellbeing. Professor Jonathan Haidt and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders were among those advocating for smartphone-free schools, and even childhoods, to reduce the impact of technology on young people’s mental health.
The complexity of the issue means that multiple solutions are necessary. Failure to address mental health issues in childhood can have long-term consequences, including persistent conditions into adulthood, which can impair both physical and mental health, and limit life opportunities.
The economic impact is also significant. The Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board in the UK has described the issue as “an urgent social concern,” noting that childhood mental health problems cost the UK economy $1.3 trillion in lost earnings.
Challenges in Accessing Care
Despite the growing need for better mental health support, services for children remain largely inaccessible. The WHO and UNICEF report that mental health services for young people are underfunded, under-resourced, and often fail to meet demand.
In response, the WHO is introducing new standards across Europe to improve youth mental health care. These standards aim to address issues such as insufficiently trained professionals, a lack of tailored services, and long waiting times.
The rise of digital tools to support mental health is a positive development, offering affordable and accessible care. However, these tools must be carefully regulated to ensure ethical use. The Global Governance Toolkit for Digital Mental Health, developed by the Forum and Deloitte, explores how to maximize the benefits of these technologies in a responsible way.
Community Support and Early Intervention
Building community support systems is another key step in addressing youth mental health issues. Mental health support should be seen as a collective effort, with early intervention being one of the most effective strategies.
Exercise has also proven to be a valuable tool in mental health management. Research has shown that physical activity reduces the risk of poor mental health and has a positive effect on individuals already diagnosed with mental health conditions. Aerobic and resistance exercises, in particular, have been found to alleviate symptoms of depression.
Finally, increasing awareness and openness about mental health is crucial. Encouraging conversations about mental health helps people recognize the signs and seek help when needed.
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