Four in 10 children have no one at school to discuss their mental health with – and nearly half are worried about reaching out at all.
A survey of 1,000 11- to 18-year-olds who are still studying, found 62% have experienced feelings which have negatively impacted their emotional wellbeing.
Over a quarter are reluctant to engage school services because they are ‘embarrassed’ about their challenges, while 26% are uncertain about who to approach.
Almost a quarter (23%) don’t believe their problems are serious enough to warrant help, and 23% don’t trust the staff at their school to support them.
As a result of these wellbeing struggles, 56% have had mood swings, 46% have experienced trouble with their sleep, and 37% struggled with their schoolwork.
Lisa Mulherin, the chief executive officer for The Market Place, a mental health charity which supports young people, said: “It’s worrying so many young people still feel uncomfortable reaching out to their schools about mental health issues.
“This highlights the urgent need to do more to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Every young person deserves to feel safe and supported when discussing their wellbeing, whether that’s with teachers, school counsellors, or elsewhere.
“We must create environments where open conversations about mental health are encouraged and normalised, so no one feels alone in their struggles.”
The study also revealed 35% have experienced an increased sensitivity to criticism because of the negative emotions they’ve faced.
Subsequently, 33% became increasingly irritable or aggressive, while 31% now have less interest in school activities because of it and 28% have lost friends because of their diminishing mental health.
Nearly two in five (38%) attribute these feelings to the academic pressures they face, with the stress of a damaging relationship impacting another 32%.
Whereas many pinpointed their worries to peer pressure (28%), body image issues (24%) and bullying or cyberbullying (24%). Anxiety (60%) was revealed as the most common negative emotion these young people have experienced.
This is followed by many combatting bouts of stress (50%), sadness (46%), loneliness (30%) and insecurity (29%).
The study, which was conducted via OnePoll.com, went on to find those polled would prefer to seek help with their mental health at a young people’s support service rather than at their school.
Of these, 41% believe it would be safer and more comfortable sharing sensitive information and 40% expect it would be more neutral and less judgmental.
Whereas 39% would prefer to seek these services because they are trained in mental health issues, providing more expert support.
Lisa Mulherin, from The Market Place, which has launched a fundraising drive after suffering significant funding cuts this year, added: “It is vital young people have access to free, non-judgmental support for their mental health outside of the education environment, especially when many don’t feel comfortable seeking help within their schools.
“Charities provide a crucial lifeline, offering a safe space where students can talk openly about their struggles.However, many grassroots mental health charities are facing significant funding challenges, despite the desperate need for their services.
“More must be done to ensure these organisations have the resources they need to continue supporting our young people during such critical times.”
