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YOUNG MINDS Number of children facing mental
health crisis soars 53% in 4 years − 16 signs your
child is at risk
Some 32,521 under-18s were referred for emergency
care at mental health services in 2022 to 2023, up from
21,242 in 2019 to 2020.
Doctors at the Royal College of Psychiatrists said the
shocking numbers "cannot become the new norm".
The college said many of these under-18s have suffered
worsening mental health while on NHS waiting lists for
treatment.
Dr Elaine Lockhart, chair of the college's child and
adolescent faculty, said: "It's unacceptable that so many
children and young people are reaching crisis point
before they are able to access care.
"Severe mental illness is not just an adult problem. The
need for specialist mental health services for children and
young people is growing all the time.
"The evidence shows us that children who receive
support quickly are less likely to develop long-term
conditions, that negatively affect their education, social
development and health in later life.
"Government and integrated care boards must commit to
reducing the rate of mental illness among children by
setting an achievable target.
"This needs to be backed by an expansion of the mental
health workforce and additional funding for services.
"Investing in children's mental health will ultimately free
up NHS time and resources, while ensuring the country
has a healthy and productive population in the years to
come."
The college said around half of mental health conditions
arise before the age of 14 and three-quarters before the
age of 24.
Data shows under-18s who are waiting for follow-up after
a GP referral for mental health problems have already
waited on average five months and, in the worst case,
almost two years.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists said last year's
Government announcement of an extra £5million to
improve access to existing early support hubs was
welcome.
But it said it predicts an extra £125 to £205million is
needed to establish hubs in every local authority, with
running costs of at least £114m per year.
It comes as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child
Health (RCPCH) published a statement outlining the
"changing role" for paediatricians in being involved in
identifying and helping children with poor mental health.
RCPCH officer for mental health Dr Karen Street said:
"The entire children's workforce has a role to play in
tackling the current crisis in children's mental health but
as paediatricians we are particularly well placed to make
a difference.
"Research shows paediatricians are the most trusted
profession for secondary school children, across all
ethnicities and backgrounds and that children see
doctors as a key group to support their mental health.
"We know that paediatric settings and emergency
departments are not ideal for children and young people
experiencing a crisis in their mental health, but they
cannot be left without support.
"If we are ever to get out of this dire situation then we
need meaningful support for health services and staff, as
well as child focused polices that can improve the
physical, emotional, social and educational wellbeing of
young people.
"The responsibility to tackle this growing mental health
emergency cannot be left to healthcare professionals
alone."
Liberal Democrat health and social care spokesperson
Daisy Cooper said: "This devastating explosion of mental
ill health among children should be a wake-up call for the
government.
"Conservative ministers have neglected children's mental
health during and after the pandemic, leaving mental
health services and families in crisis.
"We have seen a litany of broken promises from this
government including the failure to deliver maximum
waiting times for children, ending out of area placements
or reforming the Mental Health Act."
https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/25760424/children-mental-health-crisis
-soars/