A major survey by the mental health charity Mind, involving over 12,000 young people aged 11–19, has revealed the extent of the mental health challenges facing today’s generation.
Key findings from the survey
Three in five young people (59%) have either experienced a mental health problem themselves or are close to someone who has.
One in seven (14%) said their mental health is currently poor or very poor.
Two in five pupils (38%) would not know where to access mental health support in school.
Half of pupils (52%) said they would not feel confident approaching teachers or school staff for help.
Only one in five (21%) had accessed school-based mental health support – and of these, almost half (43%) didn’t find it helpful.
Two in three (63%) reported that they were not involved in decisions about the support they received.
Outside of school, fewer than one in three (28%) pupils who had experienced a mental health problem had accessed NHS mental health services.
What this means for young people’s wellbeing
The survey highlights a worrying gap between the need for support and the help young people actually receive. Despite growing awareness of mental health issues, many young people still struggle to find appropriate support either in school or within NHS services.
For young people experiencing poor mental health, these barriers can delay early intervention – which is crucial for long-term recovery.
Why this matters for CAMHS professionals
For those working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), these findings underline the importance of:
Strengthening school-based mental health provision so young people know where to go for help.
Ensuring student voices are heard in decision-making about their care.
Bridging the gap between schools and NHS services to improve access and continuity of support.
As Mind’s research makes clear, the scale of need is significant – and meeting it requires collaboration across education, health, and community sectors.
👉 Read the full report here: Mind – Young People’s Mental Health Survey
