Recent findings reveal a concerning trend in young people in Lincolnshire and extended waits for crucial mental health support services
A report, set to be presented at an upcoming county council meeting, highlights the mounting pressure on mental health services worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, the BBC reported on the report.
The surge in mental health referrals
Anxiety, stress, low mood, and behavioural issues collectively form 90% of referrals to early intervention services, according to the report.
This surge in referrals has been put down to the impact of the pandemic on the mental well-being of young individuals, with waiting lists expanding faster than for adult mental health services.
National statistics from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) show an 81% spike in referrals between 2019 and 2021, exceeding the 11% rise observed in adult mental health referrals during the same period.
Healthy minds
A key early intervention service, Healthy Minds Lincolnshire, witnessed a 107% increase in its caseload between December 2021 and March 2023, showing the critical demand for mental health support among young people.
Despite these challenges, the BBC reported recent figures from Lincolnshire CAMHS indicate a positive trend, with the average waiting time from assessment to treatment now at six weeks, down from its peak during the pandemic.
The county’s mental health services are undergoing a comprehensive review through the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Transformation Programme. This initiative aims to align mental health resources with evolving demands and has actively engaged service users to identify areas for improvement.
Mental health in boys
In Gloucestershire, efforts are underway to address mental health differences, particularly among young boys.
TIC+, a local mental health charity, reports that only 30% of those accessing its services are male, showing a need to reach more boys who may be silently struggling.
The Levelling Up Together initiative, launched by Gloucestershire County Council, aims to bridge this gap by enabling TIC+ to extend its outreach and engagement efforts in deprived areas, focusing on males aged nine to 25.
Social media’s impact on mental health
Social media has had a significant impact on mental health. The BBC reported that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has faced scrutiny for allegedly downplaying the risks associated with social media use, contributing to a mental health crisis among young people.
In response to these challenges, projects like TIC+ Boys in Mind are working to raise awareness about mental health issues, promote available support services, and encourage early intervention to mitigate long-term impacts on mental well-being.
