Rapid Rise in Emotional Problems Among Young People Preceded the Pandemic

The pandemic brought more than just the spread of the virus; it ushered in a concerning surge in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Yet, recent research conducted by my colleagues and me reveals that the escalation of emotional problems among young people had already begun before the onset of COVID-19.

Adolescence, being a vulnerable phase, often sets the stage for mental health challenges that may persist into adulthood. Numerous studies have flagged an alarming increase in mental health issues among the youth in recent decades. While commonly cited factors like changes in family dynamics, school-related stressors, and the impact of social media may explain some of these issues, they don't provide a comprehensive understanding.

Our focus was on understanding if emotional problems had heightened in young people in Wales between 2013 and 2019. We aimed to discern trends among different groups, such as boys and girls or families with varying economic statuses. Additionally, we sought to investigate whether changes in friendship quality and the prevalence of bullying over time paralleled the rise in adolescent emotional problems and whether these factors contributed to this surge.

Quality friendships are associated with better self-esteem and mental health, while bullying is linked with poorer mental health outcomes.

We analyzed data from over 200,000 students aged 11 to 16, gathered biennially through the School Health Research Network. The students answered questions about emotional problems, friendship quality, and experiences of bullying, both in-person and online. Our study spanned three surveys conducted in Welsh secondary schools in 2013, 2017, and 2019.

The Rise in Emotional Problems:

Our findings indicate a significant increase in emotional problems among young people in Wales from 2013 to 2019. The proportion of youth experiencing high levels of emotional problems surged from 23% to 38%. These results align with the observed uptick in emotional disorders, referrals to child and adolescent mental health services, and instances of youth self-harm and suicide during the same period.

Importantly, our study underscores that pre-existing mental health disparities worsened even before 2020, preceding the additional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, girls and those from less affluent families experienced steeper increases in emotional problems.

While our study does not delve into specific reasons for these trends, existing research suggests that economic disparities may contribute, as wealthier families generally have better access to housing, nutrition, healthcare, and face fewer stressors overall.

Addressing the Need for Mental Health Support:

The findings underscore a growing imperative for mental health support for young people, especially considering the significant escalation in emotional problems over the past decade, particularly among economically disadvantaged families. Currently, one in three Welsh children lives below the poverty line, emphasizing the urgency of targeted support for these vulnerable individuals across the UK.

Although measures related to social relationships did not mirror the same steep trend as emotional symptoms, efforts to improve the quality of young people's social relationships and reduce bullying remain crucial priorities. In Wales, there is a current shift towards adopting a whole-school approach, aiming to create a supportive context for healthy relationships in schools.

The escalating needs of young people with mental health issues are placing additional strain on already stretched child and adolescent mental health services. Significant investments are warranted to adequately support our young and most vulnerable population.

Policy-makers, schools, and practitioners must pay careful attention to this pronounced increase in emotional problems, particularly among girls and young people from less affluent families, to ensure comprehensive and effective support systems are in place.

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