Anxiety levels in children in England have reached record highs, shocking even seasoned NHS professionals. A recent investigation reveals that over 204,000 children were referred to NHS mental health services for anxiety in 2023-24, a figure that is more than double the pre-Covid levels. The surge has left health services struggling to cope, raising concerns about the NHS’s ability to support this vulnerable population.
A doctor working in children’s mental health services in northern England described the figures as “jaw-dropping,” despite having witnessed the rise in demand firsthand. The sheer scale of the problem, laid bare by official data, has left many professionals and organisations alarmed.
“The huge rise in the numbers of young people struggling with their mental health is one of the biggest societal issues of our time,” said Laura Bunt, Chief Executive of YoungMinds, a children’s mental health charity. The figures highlight the number of children suffering from anxiety without adequate support, underscoring the immense challenge facing those responsible for their care.
The anxiety epidemic among children has been exacerbated by a range of factors, with many pointing to the cost of living crisis, the climate emergency, global conflicts, and academic pressures as key contributors. Growing up in today’s world can feel overwhelming, and children often struggle to process these anxieties without professional help.
Traumatic experiences, such as accidents or family conflicts, can also trigger anxiety in children, and many find themselves trapped in a cycle of worry and fear. One young person described their struggle with anxiety, which started at age 13: “I had a panic attack when I dropped some food on the floor, worrying someone would have an allergic reaction. This kept me awake for days.”
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also played a significant role in the dramatic rise in children’s anxiety levels. Julia Clements, Principal Educational Psychologist at Place2Be, noted that the pandemic and subsequent global events have created a challenging environment for children, contributing to the sharp increase in anxiety referrals.
Despite efforts to raise awareness about children’s mental health, the NHS remains ill-equipped to manage the surge in demand. Dr Elaine Lockhart, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Child and Adolescent Faculty, expressed concern about the growing waiting lists for children referred for anxiety, warning that delays in treatment could have long-term consequences.
The government has taken steps to expand mental health services for children, but experts argue that much more needs to be done. The focus must be on increasing early intervention support, recruiting more staff in schools and the NHS, and providing accessible community-based care. Without these critical changes, the mental health crisis among children is likely to worsen.
Prevention must also be a priority, with efforts to address the root causes of anxiety in children. However, tackling such a complex and multifaceted issue will require a coordinated and sustained effort across all sectors of society.
