About 166,000 girls and 67,000 boys aged 14 across the UK are depressed, according to a new study.
Government-funded research found that 24% of 14-year-old girls and 9% of boys the same age have depression with symptoms including feeling tired, lonely and negative self-worth.
Experts have commented on the “worryingly high rates of depression” among 14-year-old girls in particular. Dr Praveetha Patalay, the lead author of the research, said the findings revealed the “increasing mental health difficulties faced by girls today compared to previous generations”.
The figures have raised fresh concerns about how social media, body image issues and school-related stresses affect young people’s mental health.
Share your experiences
While the problem is by no means restricted to girls, we want to hear from young women – and from their families – about modern pressures. Have you experienced depression or any other mental health problems? Or perhaps you’ve just had moments where you’ve struggled more than others? Is social media causing more problems?
You can share your experiences using our encrypted form below. And we’ll use a selection in our reporting.
- Please note that if you are under the age of 16 you will need parental permission before sharing your experiences.
In the UK the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Other international suicide helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org.
