It is surprisingly common

In health terms, there is nothing that concerns parents more than a child’s emotional and mental state.
This is a subject that we tackled in a recent post on our blog following some in-depth research into the subject.
Not long after the report that prompted this post, further figures were released.
These underlined some of the issues that are causing such concern and shed further light on a matter that demands our attention, both as parents and as mental health professionals.
The first report (this from Action for Children, based upon YouGov figures) found that, from 2,267 parents surveyed, 40% said that their children’s emotional wellbeing was their number one health concern. The second report doesn’t make for better reading.
This report (based upon research conducted by the Prince’s Trust) revealed that more and more children and teenagers are experiencing significant difficulties as a result of anxiety.
This is a national trend.
But right here on our doorstep, the numbers presented cause us considerable concern.
In Newcastle, for instance, half of all under-25s have experienced clinically significant anxiety.
Some 53% feel anxious every day, whilst one-in-six admit to being too anxious to leave their homes.
Based upon interviews with 2,265 16 to 25-year-olds, the report reveals that 16% of young people (in Newcastle) feel they’re ‘falling apart’ emotionally.
This is the kind of thing that we hear a lot in our work, although the scale of this still comes as quite a surprise.
For the uninitiated (the parents and adults involved, for instance) this can come as a considerable shock.
‘Thousands of young people in Newcastle feel like prisoners in their own homes,’ said Jonathan Townsend, the regional director for the Prince’s Trust upon releasing the report. ‘Without the right support, these young people become socially isolated, struggling with day-to-day life and slipping further away from the jobs market’.
This is what we’re here for. To provide that support. To prevent that isolation. To aid that struggle. To tackle that anxiety.
There’s so much for our young people to feel anxious about, not least at this time of year, with exam season (and all its associated stresses) fast approaching. Young people put huge pressure on themselves to succeed. From time to time, something has give. This manifests in various different ways.
In Newcastle (according to the Prince’s Trust report), 32% often feel down or depressed. 18% admit their anxieties prevent them looking after their health. One quarter have allowed their anxieties to affect their eating. 28% feel scared about life in general. 40% struggle to make eye contact, whilst 50% avoid meeting new people altogether.
This all due to anxiety. Parents, it seems, are right to be concerned.
That said, help and support is at hand and, as with all these things, awareness is an important step forward in tackling such issues.
These recent reports have played a major role in raising awareness and putting anxiety on the news agenda.
The next step is seeking support, getting help and addressing the issues.
This is where we come in.
Is anxiety causing YOU problems, either as a parent or as a young person? Give us a call. This is our area of expertise and we’re here to help.