Young people are being urged to seek help after worrying statistics revealed a sharp rise in mental health problems in children during the pandemic period.
According to new figures, one in four North West children are thought to have had mental well-being issues since the coronavirus lockdown period began.
An NHS survey of children and young people aged five to 16 in July this year identified 16.6% as having a probable mental health disorder, with a further 8.2% having a possible mental health disorder.
The figures were an increase from when the group was last surveyed in 2017, when 8.5% had a probable mental health disorder and 11.6% had a possible one.
Across England, children and young people with a probable mental disorder were more likely to say that lockdown had made their life worse (54.1% of 11 to 16-year-olds, and 59.0% of 17 to 22-year-olds), than those unlikely to have a mental disorder (39.2% and 37.3% respectively).
Across England, children with a probable mental disorder were more than twice as likely to live in a household that had fallen behind with payments (16.3%) than children unlikely to have a mental disorder (6.4%).
They were also about five times more likely not to have eaten a family meal all week (4.8%), and not to have spent time together with their family (6.0%) than those unlikely to have a mental disorder (0.9% and 1.0%, respectively).
As well as being potentially harder hit by the economic impacts of the pandemic, children with probably mental disorders were also more anxious about the virus.
England’s top children and young people’s mental health doctor is encouraging youngsters to seek help if they need it.
Professor Prathiba Chitsabesan, NHS England Associate National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, said: “As the whole country continues to find ways to live with the pandemic, many children and young people will be experiencing a range of feelings including anxiety, sadness and loneliness which are understandable responses to such an uncertain and stressful situation.
"Simple steps like getting enough sleep, talking to friends or family and ensuring your child has a simple routine can make a huge positive difference.
“And the NHS, children’s services, schools, colleges and the voluntary sector are working together to provide a range of support including 24/7 crisis support lines, face to face, telephone or digital appointments and support in schools so issues can be identified and help offered sooner.”
A statement from Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: "Alder Hey offers a range of comprehensive services to children and young people who are experiencing mental health issues. Children and young people can also self-refer via our website www.alderhey.nhs.uk/services/camhs.
"In addition our Crisis Care Team supports young people and their families who may need emergency support and advice with their helpline which is available 24/7. Anyone urgently requiring this support should contact 08081 963 550."
