Mental health crisis has engulfed young since Royals' appeal

THE scale of mental health problems suffered by the young is getting worse...seven years after Prince William, Kate, and Harry stepped in to help.

- Richard Palmer

The Royals, keen to end the stigma over it, urged troubled youngsters to speak out about anxiety and depression.

But as more did seek help the waiting time for treatment has skyrocketed.

Nearly 1.5 million under-18s were referred to Child Adolescent Mental Health Services last year, a shocking 76% rise since 2019, says mental health charity Young Minds.

Many will wait at least two years for sustained support from the NHS amid an acute shortage of psychologists, therapists and other professionals.

Some 250,000 young people with mental health problems were denied help last year. The research also found some NHS trusts were failing to offer treatment to 60% of children referred by GPS.

Charities blame the record numbers needing help on a host of contemporary issues.