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  • UK Youth Mental Health Report 2023

    No-one to turn to: The teenage struggle to access mental health support

     

    Discover the truth about teenage mental health in the UK with our groundbreaking research. While NHS data suggests that 1 in 6 teenagers have mental health problems, our study reveals that the scale of the crisis is worse than previously thought.

     

    We surveyed over 1400 teenagers, aged 13 to 17, to find out what's troubling them, where they seek support, and whether that support is making a difference. We even conducted a mental health assessment, asking those who showed significant levels of depression and anxiety why they hadn't sought professional help.

     

    Our report reveals a mental health crisis of unprecedented magnitude, and sheds light on what young people are experiencing right now.

     

  • Key insights from the report

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    Eight in ten teenagers feel they suffer with mental health challenges

    Teenagers are grappling with a broad range of problems. Stress and anxiety are the most common, with worrying numbers with feelings of low self-worth.

    • Almost half of young people recognise their anxiety, rising to 63% of teenage girls
    • One in three fear socialising and speaking to people
    • Over a quarter have a strong disliking of their body or the way they look
    • One in four teenagers are depressed or feel down a lot
    • A fifth are struggling to get enough sleep

    1 in 3 suffer moderate to severe depression or anxiety symptoms

    Many more teenagers screened positive for common mental health disorders than estimates suggest.

    • One in four boys screen positive for depression
    • 39% of 16-17 year olds screened positive for general anxiety disorder
    • 44% of female teenagers suffer moderate to severe anxiety symptoms

     

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    More than half who screened positive have not spoken to a relevant professional

    Despite this generation living in a society that is more open with mental health challenges, a large number of teenagers appear to be reluctant to reach out for help. We asked what's stopping them:

    • 43% are too embarrassed
    • 41% don’t think they need help
    • 34 % don’t think anyone will care
    • 17% don’t know who to ask
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