A recent survey by the NHS shows that one in four young people aged 16 to 24 in England now have a common mental health condition. The study reveals a sharp rise in cases of anxiety, depression, and other disorders over the past decade, with young women more likely to be affected than young men.
The report found that mental health issues in this age group increased from 18.9% in 2014 to 25.8% in 2024, a rise of more than a third. The adult psychiatric morbidity survey showed that 36.1% of women reported common mental health conditions such as panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, compared with 16.3% of men.
Sally McManus, one of the lead researchers, said the rising numbers reflect global challenges that young people face today. “Young people are worried about many things, from insecure jobs and housing to Covid-19 and climate change. The pandemic especially has hit their mental health hard,” she explained.
The study also found that mental health problems, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm have increased across all age groups:
More than 22% of adults aged 16 to 64 now have a common mental health condition, up from 18.9% in 2014.
Over 25% of adults reported having suicidal thoughts during their lifetime, with around one-third of those aged 16 to 34 affected.
Rates of self-harm have quadrupled since 2000, rising from 6.4% in 2014 to 10.3% in 2024. The highest rates are seen in 16- to 24-year-olds, especially young women, with 31.7% reporting self-harm.
McManus emphasized that these trends are widespread but most severe among young women.
The survey found no evidence that the increase is due to people simply reporting more. “While there is greater awareness and less stigma now, the data does not suggest over-reporting. If anything, past figures may have underreported the true extent of mental health problems,” McManus said.
More people with mental health problems are getting help, with nearly half of adults aged 16 to 74 receiving therapy or medication for conditions like anxiety and depression. However, over half of those with mental health issues still do not get the support they need. The survey also highlighted that most people harmed by gambling have never received treatment specific to gambling problems.
Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the mental health charity Sane, said: “This report shows the huge demand on a system already struggling, especially in services for young people.”
In response, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced plans to allow mental health patients to self-refer for talking therapies through the NHS app. He also confirmed the construction of 85 new mental health emergency departments across England.
Dr Sarah Hughes, chief executive of Mind, added: “The nation’s mental health is worsening, and our current system is overwhelmed and underfunded. Young people have been hit hardest by the pandemic, rising living costs, and racial inequalities. It is unacceptable that services still do not meet the demand.”
Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national director for mental health, said: “Poor mental health affects people’s lives, work, and physical health. We are expanding digital services like NHS talking therapies, which now allow self-referral and online access, making support easier to get. More work is needed, and we are preparing a 10-year health plan to improve mental health care and reach more people.”
Dr Lade Smith, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, called for urgent investment: “Demand is rising fast. We need more resources and staff to provide compassionate and timely care.”
