Nearly a quarter of a million children and young people are availing of mental health services according to latest figures.

 

The data gathered from 60pc of mental health trusts in England shows that 235,189 people under the age of 18 are receiving specialist care for problems including anxiety, depression and eating disorders.

 

The shocking report showed that 65,508 of those receiving care are under the age of 10.

 

 

With such huge numbers seeking mental health care, experts say that academic pressure could be one of the causes.

 

Pressure to look good and to be popular as well as poverty and a breakdown of the family are also among the list of causes experts believe are behind the growing numbers.

 

These recent figures have now sparked pleas for the government, schools and the NHS to do more in preventing, identifying and treating mental health disorders in young people.

 

 

In response to the call, president of the Labour campaign for mental health, Luciana Berger said:

 

“These new figures shine a spotlight on the extent of the demand for mental health treatment, particularly when we know there are thousands of children who are being turned away because thresholds to access services are out of reach for too many.”

 

 

“It’s staggering that so many children and young people are in need of specialist mental health care,” said Sarah Brennan, Chief Executive of the mental charity Young Minds.

 

“These figures should act as a wake-up call.”

 

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