A record 1.4 million children and young people sought NHS help for mental health problems last year, amid concern that under-18s are struggling with issues including about money and their education.
The number of school-age children being referred to child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs) has undergone an “explosion” in the last three years, soaring by 76% since 2019, NHS figures show.
That year 812,070 under-18s in England were referred to Camhs for treatment of anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other psychological problems.
But far more – 1,425,194, the highest number on record – were referred during 2022. That was the second year in a row in which referrals topped 1m, amid the continuing impact of Covid on young people’s wellbeing.
The disclosure sparked concern that mental health turmoil could be becoming “the new normal” among under-18s.
The figures came from an analysis of NHS Digital data by Young Minds.
Separate data collected by the charity show that the main reasons parents call their helpline are that a child is struggling with anxiety, self-harm, anger or aggression, problems with school, including them refusing to attend, and behaviour management.
