Pandemic impact on children

One in four children in the South West is thought to have had mental health issues during the coronavirus pandemic.

An NHS survey of children and young people aged five to 16 in July this year identified 17.7 per cent as having a probable mental health disorder, with a further 8.8 per cent having a possible mental health disorder.

England’s top children and young people’s mental health doctor is encouraging youngsters to seek help if they need it, as NHS Digital’s new survey shows there has been a rise in mental health problems in children and young people during the pandemic.

Unlike the rise seen nationally, the overall figure in the South West was down from when the group was last surveyed in 2017 - when 14.7 per cent had a probable mental health disorder and 15.9 per cent had a possible one - but there has been a shift in the number with possible issues to a higher proportion with probable mental disorders.

Across England, children and young people with a probable mental disorder were more likely to say that lockdown had made their life worse (54.1 per cent of 11 to 16 year olds, and 59 per cent of 17 to 22 year olds), than those unlikely to have a mental disorder (39.2 per cent and 37.3 per cent respectively).

In 2020, one in ten (10.1 per cent) children and young people aged 11 to 22 years said that they often or always felt lonely. This was more common in girls (13.8 per cent) than boys (6.5 per cent), and prevalence again was higher for those with a probable mental disorder.

Younger boys in the South West were more likely to have a probable mental disorder than girls the same age, but this changed for older age groups.

Professor Prathiba Chitsabesan, NHS England Associate National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, said: “As the whole country continues to find ways to live with the pandemic, many children and young people will be experiencing a range of feelings including anxiety, sadness and loneliness which are understandable responses to such an uncertain and stressful situation.

“Simple steps like getting enough sleep, talking to friends or family and ensuring your child has a simple routine can make a huge positive difference.

“And the NHS, children’s services, schools, colleges and the voluntary sector are working together to provide a range of support including 24/7 crisis support lines, face to face, telephone or digital appointments and support in schools so issues can be identified and help offered sooner.”