Mental health services ‘too stretched’ as children with anxiety up by a third
It's claimed mental health services are too stretched - MORE children are suffering with anxiety.
It’s claimed mental health services in the North East are too stretched, as the number of children counselled for anxiety is up by a third.
New NSPCC data reveals a 35% rise in anxiety in the past year, with 11,706 children and young people being counselled by Childline in 2015/16 compared to 8,642 in 2014/15.
An increasing number of children and young people, as young as eight years old, are being struck down by the problem, with causes ranging from personal and family issues to concerns about world affairs such as the EU Referendum, the US Election and troubles in the Middle East.
Research indicates the reasons for the sharp rise are down to a combination of personal and political issues, with some young people talking to counsellors about problems in their day-to-day life while others cite disturbing events seen in the media and social media as being the source of their worries.
In response the NSPCC created a new webpage on the Childline website in September - “Worries about the World” - which has already received almost 5,000(3) visits.
It comes as services in our region admits they’re struggling against cuts.
Doug Hill is a young person’s development worker for Tyneside Northumberland Mind and says he wishes we could do more for children. He said:
“At the moment we’re seeing a reduction in services at the same time as an increase in demand. Those things are worrying at the best of times but with those changes in the structure of support hats available for children and young people it becomes increasingly worrying. The younger the issues arise, the greater the impact for all of us.
Hearing some of the stories of their lives and things that are happening to them and the pressures that are placed on them and what t that’s doing to them is… I don’t think sad is the right word… but we’re doing children and young people a disservice by not supporting them further.”
The NSPCC has published advice to help support children with anxiety:
- Listen carefully to a child’s fears and worries - Offer reassurance and comfort and avoid complicated and worrying explanations that could leave them more frightened and confused. - Help them find advice and support to understand distressing events and feelings. - Children can always contact Childline free and confidentially 24/7
Peter Wanless, Chief Executive of the NSPCC said:
“The world can be a worrying place but we need to ensure our children are reassured rather than left overwhelmed and frightened. It’s only natural for children and young people to feel worried sometimes, but when they are plagued by constant fears that are resulting in panic attacks and making them not want to leave the house then they need support.
“One of the most important ways to help those that are struggling is to make sure that they know they always have someone to talk to and that they never have to suffer alone, which is why Childline is as important now to children and young people as when it first launched back in 1986.”
Childline marked its 30th birthday on Sunday 30th October, and will be announcing a new high profile campaign in the next few days.
Children and young people can contact Childline for free, confidential support and advice, 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk