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A big increase in rates of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions has been revealed in an NHS survey.

The survey also found:

• One in four (25.8%) of young people (16 to 24 years old) have a common mental health condition, up from 18.9% in 2014.
  
  
• More than a fifth (22.6%) of adults (16 to 64 years old) have a common mental health condition, up from 18.9% in 2014.
  
  
• More than one in four adults (25.2%) reported having had suicidal thoughts during their lifetime, including about a third of 16- 24-year-olds (31.5%) and 25- to 34-year-olds (32.9%).
  
  
• Self-harm rates have quadrupled since 2000, with the highest rates among 16- to 24-year-olds at 24.6%, especially young women at 31.7%.

The figures from the also discovered a rise in the number of people receiving treatment for common mental health issues, with nearly half of 16 to 74 year olds (47%) saying they were receiving treatment (therapy or medication).

We asked some of our members if these figures were reflected in what they’re seeing in their practice, and what they think needs to be done to address the growing mental health crisis.

The increase across board of anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions has been reflected in my practice since 2020. The significance of this date has been a perfect storm, where the world changed.

Covid 19 had the effect of exacerbating health anxiety and questions of mortality. It magnified the feeling that the world was not a safe place and danger lurked around every corner. The lockdown also took away coping mechanisms in the form of avoidant behaviours that we had relied upon to distract us from facing life's most pressing and existential issues; we had no choice but to confront these issues in lockdown as we could not go to the pub, football games, socialise, go into work or any other extracurricular activities.Ìý

I particularly noticed a surge in people from my community taking up therapy as a way of dealing with mental health issues that had been culturally unacknowledged. This was triggered in part by Covid 19, lockdown, but also the George Floyd killing. The racial trauma that had been excused and normalised as the price to pay for inclusivity was now reviewed and truly seen as trauma excused away.

The other point to consider is that the education surrounding mental health has led to acceptance and access for more people to recognise their conditions. So, it may not be that world is sadder, but that many more people are aware of their sadness now.

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In my practice, one of the clearest trends I’ve seen is chronic loneliness, especially among young adults. There’s a growing comfort with vulnerability on the internet (sharing struggles on TikTok, for example) but much more fear around opening up to friends, family, or even in therapy.Ìý

I think this speaks to the wider breakdown in community and the data reflects this as well. We should encourage help seeking behaviours, and the loneliness crisis is certainly impacting the increase in mental health issues.

Offline connection feels like the biggest missing piece. We need more third spaces, safe and positive interactions with strangers, general discomfort that can help build  social skills and community, informally and often.

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Unfortunately, based on my professional and lived experience, I think that the 1 in 4 people reporting suicidal thoughts is under-reported.

With ADHD, if someone doesn’t realise that strong suicidal fantasies might be exacerbated by their impulsivity, they might take irreversible action. I tried when I was 14 and was so grateful it hadn’t worked, it stopped me trying again over the next decade. Long before I learned to teach mindfulness, this was proof, to me, that feelings are temporary. I was able to ride out far worse.

I wish younger me and so many people currently suffering had access to support that could be tailored for them. While it’s good news that more resources are planned, there’s been too little availability for too long. People need help as soon as they summon the courage to reach out. I really hope that more will be done to save lives and help everyone heal and thrive.

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The data from the NHS survey mirrors what we are seeing in practice: that growing numbers of people are seeking support for their mental health, and that providers are struggling to keep up.

It is perhaps unsurprising that so many people are suffering from anxiety and depression, given all the uncertainty of today's world. Political unrest, wars, the cost-of-living crisis, and recovery from the pandemic takes its toll on each of us in different ways, often impacting our own mental health and relationships.

Combine this with the continuous impact of technology and social media on our lives, and it is easy to see why so many people feel isolated and disenfranchised. We all need greater access to mental health support, and change needs to happen on a systemic level. Not just healthcare systems, but the fundamental ways in which we create community and resources, for ourselves and each other.

This is no simple task, but perhaps the NHS data can be used to think about ways we might start to achieve this.

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I’ve noticed, in my practice, that there appears to be less stigma attached to opening up about mental health, largely due to access to information shared via social media.

While this increased self-awareness can be helpful, it doesn’t alter the impact of budget cuts, long waiting lists, and overstretched, underfunded services - people are struggling to get the help they need.

Many young people and adults face an uncertain future as they attempt to build a life through financial crises while caring for relatives, and, with little support, this kind of strain and overwhelm can lead to many of the mental health conditions mentioned above.

More needs to be done to support overwhelmed and burnt-out practitioners in continuing to provide the vital support needed. The Government relies heavily on the kindness of those providing low-cost or free mental health and counselling services, but they are severely underfunded, which directly affects the extent and quality of support offered.

Find out more about Jodie.Ìý

I have been a therapist for more than 25 years and during this time I've seen a significant change in client demographics. In the early days of my career, it was mainly Caucasian women. Then more male and clients from minority backgrounds started coming forward for therapy. However, in the past few years there's been a sharp increase in young adults both male and female accessing therapy.

I am alarmed at how often self-harm and suicide issues are prevalent. In the early days of becoming a therapist, it would be an exception rather than the rule.

My main observation is that social media and the consumer culture are contributing to mental health issues especially for young people

I encourage people to reduce screen time and stay engaged in the reality of life rather than the ones portrayed on social media. To devote more time to the simple everyday things that contribute to good mental and physical health such as regular exercise, meditation, healthy eating, effective listening and communication skills.

For example, it is not uncommon to hear of a young client spending two to three hours every day scrolling on social media when this time could be devoted to better mental health and building stronger relationships.

Find out more about Hansa.

As a psychotherapist working with young adults, I see these figures echoed daily in my practice. The rise in anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts among 16- to 24-year-olds is not a surprise—but it remains deeply troubling. Many clients arrive feeling overwhelmed by financial pressures, identity struggles, climate anxiety, and a pervasive sense of disconnection. For some, the world feels unliveable.

These issues cannot be addressed by therapy alone. We need urgent investment not only in accessible, long-term mental health services, but also in the social fabric that underpins wellbeing: stable housing, community, secure employment, and education. While it’s encouraging to see more people receiving treatment, we must ask: what kind of treatment, and for how long?

A ten-year plan must centre lived experience, prioritise prevention and move beyond one-size-fits-all treatments. Otherwise, we risk treating symptoms while the root causes continue to grow.

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