‘Jaw-dropping’ number of children in England with anxiety shocks even professionals

Even for those who see children with anxiety in the NHS every day, the figures are breathtaking.

“They really do make your jaw drop,” said a doctor working in children’s mental health services in the north of England. “Of course we have seen an increase in demand, but to see these figures in black and white … it’s extremely shocking.”

A Guardian investigation published on Tuesday reveals the number of children being referred to NHS mental health services in England for anxiety has hit the highest level ever recorded.

In 2023-24, there were 204,526 referrals of children made to mental health services with a primary cause of anxiety.

Although more than twice as many organisations submitted data last year (171) compared with seven years ago (62), the rise in referrals is still extraordinary. In 2016-17, there were just 3,879 referrals, according to a Guardian analysis of NHS data.

“The huge rise in the numbers of young people struggling with their mental health is one of the biggest social issues of our time,” said Laura Bunt, the chief executive of YoungMinds, a children’s mental health charity.

The figures lay bare the large numbers of children experiencing anxiety, often without support or treatment, and the size of the task facing those charged with helping them. “The impact of this on the young person and those around them can be devastating, but this is also a major issue for society,” said Bunt.

Anxiety is the number one concern raised by callers to YoungMinds’ parents helpline. But there is not one single factor that explains the increase in referrals.

“We know for many, growing up today is incredibly tough,” said Bunt. “Pressures are piling up from the cost of living crisis, devastating wars, the climate emergency and unaffordable housing.

“Add on intense academic pressure and an uncertain future, it’s no wonder more young people than ever before are struggling with their mental health.”

Children who have had a distressing or traumatic experience, such as a car accident or house fire, may experience anxiety afterwards. Family arguments and conflict can also make children feel insecure and anxious.

One young person who suffered with anxiety from the age of 13, said they developed a fear of harming their family: “I was anxious about spreading germs and dirt.

“I had a panic attack when I dropped some food on the floor, worrying someone would have an allergic reaction. This kept me awake for days.”

The number of referrals for anxiety has doubled since the year before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Guardian found, with 98,953 referrals made in 2019-20.

Julia Clements, a principal educational psychologist at Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity, said the impact of the pandemic – the disease and the disruption – could not be underestimated.

“The pandemic and subsequent world events over the past few years have been a testing time for many – including children and young people – so the increase in referrals for anxiety to mental health services is not surprising.”

Many of the doctors, NHS officials and health leaders interviewed expressed concern that while lots of work had gone into raising awareness of mental health among children, less attention had been paid to ensuring the health service was able to help those in need.

Dr Elaine Lockhart, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ child and adolescent faculty, said: “Mental health services are struggling to manage rising demand.” The result is that many of the children being referred for anxiety are on unacceptably long waiting lists.

The danger is that this could cause further harm at a crucial time in their lives, Lockhart said.

The government has sought to expand services for children with anxiety in recent years, but there is still not enough support available. Opening more early support hubs and recruiting more staff in schools and the NHS, so children can access support in their community when they need it, will be critical.

“The urgent need for better mental health support for young people has never been more vital,” said Bunt. “The systems around young people are failing them. Whether it’s school or mental health services, these systems are overstretched, underfunded and can’t meet the needs of modern life.”

The priority for ministers and the NHS should be giving the health service the tools it needs to cope with rising demand – and ensuring every child with anxiety is treated promptly and compassionately.

Beyond that, a focus on prevention is key, which means addressing the causes of anxiety among children. With so many factors involved though, that will be easier said than done.

• In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, call or text Mental Health America at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org . In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978