The dramatic rise in mental health struggles among young people – and why early experiences matter

Our health isn’t just about what happens when we’re adults. It starts much earlier – in childhood, through the care, support, and experiences that build the foundations for lifelong wellbeing. When children grow up surrounded by love, stability, and opportunity, they’re more likely to develop confidence, resilience, and the tools to look after their mental health as they get older. 

But when childhood is marked by hardship, such as poverty or upheaval, it can leave lasting scars, increasing the risk of stress, mental health struggles, and physical health problems later in life. 

A growing mental health crisis among young people 

Our latest analysis, based on the national Understanding Society survey, shows that mental health conditions have risen sharply in for people of all ages. Overall, the proportion of people likely to have a mental health condition has jumped by 80% – from 21% in 2009–10 to 38% in 2022–23. And this isn’t just happening in one part of the country – it’s across the whole of the UK.

But the sharpest rise has been in young people. Now, those aged between 16–24 are the most likely group to experience mental health conditions – with rates more than doubling from 20% to 51% since 2009. 

Family support matters 

We know from our member, The Health Foundation, that being able to lean on family for emotional support is one of the most powerful ways to protect young people’s wellbeing – but whether that support is enough often depends on what’s happening around them. Social and financial pressures, such as poverty or parents’ work schedules, can shape how much time, energy, and stability families are able to offer. 

The powerful link between income and mental health 

We also found big differences depending on income. 

Among people living in households earning under £15,588 a year, almost half (46%) are likely to have a mental health condition – compared with a third (33%) of those earning over £44,000. Money helps protect our mental health. It gives us the headspace to look after ourselves and the people we love. But when money is tight, that freedom disappears. When families are under financial pressure, or don’t have access to stable housing, good education, or community support, it becomes much harder to build the strong foundations that support lifelong health. 

These numbers are a powerful reminder that our mental health is shaped by more than just personal choices. It’s also about the environments we grow up and live in. 

Chief Campaigns Officer of Health Equals, Paul McDonald, said:   

This data is a clear sign that the mental health of our young people is getting worse. But what’s more shocking is that this isn’t felt evenly across the country – those from more deprived backgrounds, and in Wales and the East Midlands are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression. This is unacceptable, and crucially, it’s preventable. 

It’s vital that children and young people have the tools they need to look after their mental health as they get older.  This, along with things like clean air, decent housing and good quality work are the building blocks to good health.  But they don’t stack up evenly for everyone.  

That’s why Health Equals is calling for a cross-government health inequalities strategy that prioritises prevention, sets ambitious targets and makes better health a shared goal for every part of government. Only with departments working together will we make health equal for all. 

Supporting young people to drive change 

Speaking about the analysis, Kadra Abdinasir, Associate Director of Policy at one of our member organisation Centre for Mental Health, said:  

These findings mirror a growing body of research showing a sharp rise in mental health difficulties among young people in recent years. Analysis suggests that a combination of factors are driving this trend,  from widening economic inequality and the impact of child poverty, to poor sleep, heavy use of digital technology and school related pressures such as exam stress and strict behaviour policies.  

But these effects are not inevitable. That’s why we’re urging Government to put children and young people’s mental health at the heart of policy by delivering on its promise to expand school-based mental health support and by rolling out Young Futures Hubs in every community, so early support is accessible to all. 

Supporting efforts that address these wider influences is essential. That’s why we’re funding the youth-led advocacy and political engagement for Future Minds, a campaign led by Centre for Mental Health and the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition in partnership with YoungMinds and Centre for Young Lives. The campaign looks at young people’s mental health as a question of inequality shaped by things like poverty, housing, and education. 

By putting young voices at the centre and shining a light on the social factors behind poor mental health, it helps make sure all young people have the support and conditions they need to thrive.