The Rising Mental Health Crisis in Under 19s: What Services Need to Know

Professionals across the UK are raising the alarm: mental health issues among children and young people are climbing at unprecedented rates. With more cases of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm being reported, the demand for emotional support is far outstripping the NHS’s capacity to provide it.

For those working in 0-19 services, this is not a distant concern. It’s a growing crisis that is reshaping the way services must be delivered. Here’s what the data is telling us, why it matters, and what services can do to respond.

What the Data Says

The figures speak for themselves. According to NHS Digital:

• 1 in 5 children aged 8–16 now have a probable mental health disorder.
• Among older teenagers, the number rises to 1 in 4.

And these statistics only scratch the surface. Schools and health teams are reporting sharp rises in emotional distress linked to:

• Academic pressure and the impact of social media on performance anxiety.
• Body image concerns, amplified by constant online comparison.
• Loneliness and isolation, lingering in the wake of the pandemic.
• Financial pressures and family instability tied to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

In short, the need for emotional support is becoming unmanageable for many frontline staff.

The Strain on 0-19 Services

While CAMHS provides support for complex and high-risk cases, universal services like school nursing and health visiting are often the first line of defence.

The problem? These services are already stretched thin. Many teams report:

• Limited time to build trust with young people.
• Growing numbers of referrals stuck on waiting lists or bounced back.
• Increased pressure to manage risk without the right tools or backup.

This leaves professionals trying to support young people with limited capacity raising the stakes for both staff and families.

What Young People Are Saying

It’s not only professionals who feel the strain. Many young people express frustration too. They don’t always know who to talk to, and when they do, they often don’t feel comfortable opening up to someone new face-to-face.

A common theme from feedback is information overload. Young people are bombarded with advice online, much of it unreliable or irrelevant. What they want is relatable, age-appropriate content delivered in a safe, accessible way.

This is where digital tools can make a real difference not as a replacement for people, but as a bridge between services and young people.

What Services Can Do Right Now

Even without major new funding, there are practical steps that 0-19 teams can take to support children and young people more effectively:

1. Embed Wellbeing Into Every Touchpoint

From antenatal visits to school drop-ins, find opportunities to open up conversations about mental health. Staff don’t need to be therapists but showing it’s okay to talk can go a long way.

2. Signpost Smarter

Instead of overwhelming families with long lists of websites, focus on quality over quantity. Rocket Healthcare’s 0-19 services app, for example, includes tailored emotional wellbeing resources written in clear, accessible language and backed by NHS partner feedback.

3. Make Information Private and Portable

Many young people may not want to talk face-to-face, but they will engage with digital content sometimes late at night, when they’re struggling. A mobile-first solution like the 0-19 app ensures they have 24/7 access to confidential, NHS-approved support.

4. Use Digital Tools to Spot Early Warning Signs

Platforms that track engagement such as frequent questions about anxiety or repeated use of wellbeing resources can help teams identify patterns and reach out proactively before issues escalate.

A System-Wide Approach

Of course, no single team can solve this crisis alone. To make meaningful progress, we need a system-wide response. Local authorities, schools, NHS services, and public health teams must work together to prioritise:

• Early intervention, so issues are addressed before they escalate.
• Emotional literacy, giving young people the language and confidence to express what they’re feeling.
• Digital inclusivity, ensuring every family has access to trusted resources regardless of their circumstances.

Final Thought

The rise in mental health issues among under 19s is no longer a future concern—it’s a present-day crisis. But while the challenges are real, so too are the opportunities to adapt and improve. With the right mix of compassion, communication, and digital support, 0-19 services can play a powerful role in helping young people navigate their toughest years.

Want to see how Mobile Rocket’s 0-19 services app is helping NHS Trusts deliver mental health support more effectively? Book a demo today and discover how we can help your team make a bigger impact.