The Silent Struggle: Young People's Mental Health and Its Ripple Effect
- Mindful Process
- Apr 4
- 4 min read
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, it’s never been more important or more difficult, for young people to maintain their mental wellbeing. From social media pressures and academic stress to uncertainty about the future, young people in the UK are facing an uphill battle when it comes to mental health.
And while the effects are deeply personal, they ripple far beyond the individual; impacting families, friendships, schools, workplaces, and even society as a whole.
A Snapshot of the Crisis
Mental health problems among young people are not just on the rise, they’re reaching alarming levels.
According to the NHS Digital 2023 survey, one in five children and young people aged 8 to 25 in England had a probable mental health disorder. For girls aged 17 to 19, this jumps to a staggering 33% that’s one in three.
Rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and eating disorders have all significantly increased in the past decade, and these issues often go unnoticed or unspoken. The reasons? They’re complex and varied; ranging from trauma, bullying, and exam stress, to social media comparisons, cost-of-living pressures, and the long-term emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the most heartbreaking part? Many young people feel they have to suffer in silence.
How Mental Health Issues Impact Daily Life
When your mental health is struggling, everything else can feel impossible. For young people, this often shows up as:
Academic struggles – difficulty concentrating, falling behind, or dropping out.
Isolation – withdrawing from social life, family, or friendships.
Poor physical health – sleep problems, fatigue, headaches, or unhealthy coping habits.
Low self-esteem – feeling like they’re “not enough” or that no one understands.
Risky behaviours – including self-harm, substance use, or unprotected sex as a way to cope.
1. The Pressure to “Succeed”
Whether it’s GCSEs, A-Levels, or university applications, the pressure to achieve academically is immense. Schools often become battlegrounds of stress, with performance anxiety and fear of failure at the heart of it.
2. Social Media & Comparison Culture
We’re the most connected generation and yet often feel the most alone. Social media creates constant opportunities for comparison, fuelling feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). What’s shown online is often a highlight reel, not the full story.
3. Economic Uncertainty
Young people face soaring university debt, job insecurity, and an unaffordable housing market. The cost-of-living crisis adds another layer of anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
4. Lack of Support Systems
Many young people wait months or even years to access support through CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). With overstretched services and long waiting lists, early intervention is often missed.
And the impact isn't limited to the individual.
Friends may feel helpless. Parents can become overwhelmed, unsure how to help. Teachers, already stretched thin, might miss the signs. Mental health doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it affects the entire ecosystem around a young person.
Let’s Talk About the Pressure Cooker
One of the major stressors today is the sheer pressure young people are under, from every direction.
Social media bombards us with filtered, “perfect” lives and unattainable standards.
Academic competition fuels anxiety about grades, university, and future careers.
Economic uncertainty makes future planning feel daunting. How can you dream of moving out when rent is higher than a starting salary?
Climate change, political unrest, and global crises create a constant background noise of dread.
When you're constantly "on," with little space to disconnect, it's no wonder our minds begin to buckle.
Tools and Techniques for Self-Help and Support
It’s important to know that there is help, and you can build tools to support your mental health—even in small steps.
🌱 Self-Help Techniques
Routine: Try to get up, eat, and sleep around the same time each day. Routines can be grounding.
Journaling: Writing down your thoughts, especially before bed, can ease anxiety and help process emotions. Using apps like Moodpath or Daylio can help you spot patterns and triggers.
Mindfulness and meditation: Apps like Headspace or Calm offer simple breathing exercises that help you feel more present.
Try box breathing: Inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4.
Use grounding techniques when anxiety spikes (e.g. 5-4-3-2-1: Name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste)
Limit screen time: Especially on social media. A 24-hour break can do wonders.
Creative outlets: Art, music, writing, sport—anything that lets you express yourself or feel a sense of flow.
Physical activity: Even a 10-minute walk can release endorphins and improve your mood.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no. Protect your time and energy.
Professional & Peer Support
Talk to someone you trust – a friend, teacher, or family member. Speaking up is a strength.
Reach out to school or uni counsellors – most schools and universities now have mental health services.
Text SHOUT (85258) – a free, confidential text support service available 24/7 in the UK.
Call Childline (0800 1111) or Samaritans (116 123) – trained people are there to listen, always.
GP referrals – Your local doctor can connect you with talking therapies through the NHS.
Helping Each Other: What We Can All Do
Even if you’re not struggling personally, someone you know probably is. Being there—really there—can be life-changing.
Check in regularly – not just “how are you?”, but “how are you really?”
Be patient – healing takes time, and people open up at their own pace.
Educate yourself – understand what anxiety, depression, or eating disorders look like.
Don’t minimise – phrases like “it’s just a phase” or “others have it worse” can be unintentionally harmful.
Encourage professional help – and offer to help them take the first step.
A Final Word: You’re Not Alone
If you're reading this and struggling know this: you are not broken. You are human. And there are people who care, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.
The path to mental wellness isn't linear. Some days you’ll feel stronger, other days more fragile. That’s okay. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. And progress can look like getting out of bed. Asking for help. Or simply trying again tomorrow.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s build a world where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to prioritise their mental health, without shame.
You matter. And there is always hope.
📚 Useful Resources
YoungMinds – https://youngminds.org.uk
Mind – https://mind.org.uk
The Mix – Support for under 25s: https://themix.org.uk
NHS Mental Health Services – https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health
Kooth – Free online counselling for 11-25s: https://kooth.com
