One in four young people in England have mental health condition, NHS survey finds – The Guardian

Mental Health Trends Among Young People in England: A Report Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Recent findings from the NHS adult psychiatric morbidity survey reveal a significant rise in mental health conditions among young people aged 16 to 24 in England. This report highlights the alarming increase in anxiety, depression, and other common mental health disorders, with a particular focus on young women. The findings align closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Key Findings on Mental Health Prevalence

1. Prevalence of common mental health conditions among 16- to 24-year-olds increased from 18.9% in 2014 to 25.8% in 2024, marking a rise of over one-third.
2. Women reported higher rates of common mental health conditions (36.1%) compared to men (16.3%).
3. More than one in five adults aged 16 to 64 (22.6%) currently experience a common mental health condition, up from 18.9% in 2014.
4. Suicidal thoughts have been reported by 25.2% of adults during their lifetime, including approximately one-third of young adults aged 16-24 (31.5%) and 25-34 (32.9%).
5. Self-harm rates have quadrupled since 2000, increasing from 6.4% in 2014 to 10.3% in 2024, with the highest incidence among 16- to 24-year-olds at 24.6%, particularly young women at 31.7%.

Factors Contributing to Mental Health Challenges

• Insecure employment and housing
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Climate change concerns
• Social and economic inequalities

These factors correspond with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), which collectively influence mental well-being.

Gender Disparities in Mental Health

The survey underscores a pronounced gender disparity, with young women experiencing significantly higher rates of self-harm and suicidal ideation. This highlights the need for targeted interventions to address gender-specific mental health challenges, aligning with SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Access to Treatment and Support

• Nearly 47% of individuals aged 16 to 74 with common mental health conditions are receiving therapy or medication, indicating progress in treatment access.
• Despite this, over half of those affected do not receive adequate help.
• Gambling-related harms remain largely untreated, pointing to gaps in specialized support services.

Improving access to mental health care supports SDG 3 by promoting well-being and ensuring inclusive health services.

Government Initiatives and Future Directions

• Introduction of NHS app enabling self-referral for talking therapies, enhancing digital access to mental health services.
• Plans to establish 85 new mental health emergency departments across England.
• Development of a 10-year health plan aimed at expanding and improving mental health services.

These initiatives contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by leveraging technology and collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes.

Expert Perspectives

• Marjorie Wallace, CEO of Sane: Emphasizes the urgent need to address the scale of mental health needs within an overstretched system, particularly for young people.
• Dr. Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind: Highlights the deterioration of national mental health due to pandemic trauma, economic challenges, and racial inequalities, calling for equitable and adequately funded services.
• Claire Murdoch, NHS England: Notes the impact of poor mental health on employment and physical health, and the importance of digital transformation in expanding access.
• Dr. Lade Smith, Royal College of Psychiatrists: Advocates for sustained investment in mental health workforce and infrastructure to meet rising demand with compassion and fairness.

Conclusion

The rising prevalence of mental health conditions among young people in England presents a critical public health challenge that intersects with multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, treatment, digital innovation, and social equity to ensure the well-being of future generations.

References

• Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2023-24, NHS Digital
• National Centre for Social Research
• University of Leicester
• City St George’s University of London

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses extensively on mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm, which directly relate to SDG 3’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights disparities in mental health conditions between genders (young women vs. young men) and mentions persistent racial inequalities affecting mental health, linking to SDG 10.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Concerns about insecure employment affecting young people’s mental health connect to SDG 8, which promotes sustained, inclusive economic growth and decent work for all.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Issues such as insecure housing impacting mental health relate to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services and medicines.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Mental Health Prevalence Indicators
   • Percentage of young people (16-24 years) with common mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, panic disorder, phobias, OCD).
   • Prevalence of suicidal thoughts among different age groups.
   • Rates of self-harm in various age and gender groups.
2. Treatment and Support Indicators
   • Proportion of people with mental health conditions receiving therapy or medication.
   • Access to mental health services, including digital self-referral options.
   • Availability and number of mental health emergency departments.
3. Social and Economic Indicators
   • Rates of insecure employment and housing as factors affecting mental health.
   • Disparities in mental health conditions by gender and racial inequalities.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: theguardian.com