How Our youth is getting Old

The landscape has shifted dramatically, as a recent report by the Resolution Foundation reveals that individuals in their early 20s are now more prone to unemployment due to ill health compared to those in their early 40s. This marks a significant departure from the past, where older individuals were more likely to be out of work due to sickness. Alarming official figures indicate a concerning rise in poor mental health among young people. This not only hinders their education but also leads to lower-paying jobs or unemployment, as highlighted in the report. Shockingly, 5% of young people were economically inactive due to ill health in 2023. The report further emphasizes that young people currently experience the poorest mental health among all age groups, a stark reversal from two decades ago when they had the lowest incidence of common mental disorders. In 2021/22, 34% of young people aged 18 to 24 reported symptoms of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, compared to 24% in 2000. Consequently, over half a million 18 to 24-year-olds were prescribed anti-depressants in 2021-22. The increasing number of young individuals unable to work due to ill health is a cause for concern. It is evident that the impact of poor mental health is most severe for young people who do not pursue higher education, with one in three non-graduates currently experiencing a common mental disorder being workless. The study also highlights the disproportionate effect on young women, who are one-and-a-half times more likely to suffer from poor mental health compared to young men (41% versus 26%). Additionally, the research reveals that 79% of 18 to 24-year-olds who are unable to work due to ill health have qualifications at GCSE level or below, in contrast to 34% of the entire age group. Disturbingly, children aged 11 to 14 who experience poor mental health are three times more likely to face these challenges in their future.

The Resolution Foundation, an organization advocating for improved living standards for individuals with low and middle incomes, has conducted a study that highlights the need for better mental health support in colleges and sixth forms. They also emphasize the importance of addressing the issue of young people leaving compulsory education with low qualification levels. This research, funded by the Health Foundation, aims to bring about better health and care.

According to Jo Bibby, the director of the Health Foundation, "good employment and education" are fundamental to overall health. She stresses the need for cross-government action to prevent a "lost generation" due to poor mental health.

Gary Siva, the founder of the online mental wellbeing platform Zumos, echoes these concerns. He describes the mental health situation in the UK as a "crisis" and emphasizes the detrimental impact of insufficient funding. Mr. Siva believes that a coordinated approach is necessary to address the escalating mental wellbeing issues.

Mr. Siva also highlights the role of social media in exacerbating the urgency to support young people's mental health. He explains that children now seek validation from their peers on social media, rather than from themselves or their families. Additionally, problems like bullying, which used to be confined to school grounds, now extend beyond them.

While some of the study's findings are based on the Labour Force Survey, which has recently been discontinued, the Health Foundation maintains that the data is still reliable for analysis.

In light of these findings, it is crucial to prioritize mental health support in educational institutions and ensure that young people receive the necessary resources and assistance. By investing in their mental wellbeing, we can help them thrive academically and personally, creating a brighter future for all.