A report published in February 2025 estimated that more than £1 trillion will be lost in lifetime earnings in the UK due to the ongoing mental health crisis among young people. The research, released as part of the Future Minds mental health campaign, highlights the urgent need for action to address the increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties in children and teenagers. The organisations behind the campaign stress that the government must acknowledge the scale of the crisis and avoid dismissing it as mere “over-medicalisation.”
“More than £1tn will be lost in lifetime earnings in the UK as a direct result of the mental health crisis in young people, research estimates.” (The Guardian 5th February 2025)
It also affects families, schools and communities. In 2023-24, more than 500 children a day in England were referred to NHS mental health services for anxiety (Royal College of Psychiatrists), and a YoungMinds analysis of NHS data found that urgent and emergency referrals to children’s mental health crisis teams rose by 10% in a year (April to October 2024, compared with the year before).
If you are worried that your child is having thoughts of harming themselves or ending their life, please don’t wait for a therapy appointment. We are not a crisis service. If they need urgent help, call NHS 111 (option 2), contact their GP, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. In an emergency, call 999.
What this means for families
For parents, this data is concerning but not surprising. Many families face long waiting lists for specialist mental health support, leaving them searching for immediate, practical ways to help their children manage anxiety, depression, and other challenges.
The rise in cases also means that more children are struggling silently, either because they don’t have the words to express what they’re feeling or because they don’t know where to turn for help. As mental health professionals, we understand how important early help is, not just for emotional wellbeing, but for a child’s long-term success in education, relationships, and even career prospects.
How therapy can help children and teenagers
Mental health therapy provides a safe space for young people to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. We offer psychological therapy for children and teenagers, face-to-face in Tunbridge Wells and online. Whether through CBT for anxiety, parent guidance sessions, or therapeutic support for self-esteem and emotional regulation, early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s trajectory.
Supporting parents: the key to long-term change
One of the most effective ways to support children’s mental health is by equipping parents with the right tools. As professionals, we work with parents to help them understand their child’s challenges, and implement evidence-based strategies that foster good emotional health in young people.
The link between mental health and future success
The recent report underscores what psychologists have long understood: untreated mental health difficulties in childhood can have lifelong consequences. Young people with unmanaged anxiety or depression may struggle academically, socially, and professionally. Investing in mental health support now can prevent these challenges from escalating into adulthood.
If your child is experiencing anxiety, low mood, or other emotional difficulties, seeking professional support early can make all the difference. Our team of clinical psychologists who specialise in working with children, teenagers, and their parents is here to help.
Take the next step
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, we offer face-to-face and online sessions that fit around your family’s schedule. Whether you need one-to-one therapy for your child, parent consultations, or a holistic approach that supports the whole family, we’re here to help.
Fill in our short online form to find out how we can support your child.
