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Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

The potential impact of mental health concerns for children
and young people

Short-term effects

It is widely recognised that social, physical and emotional well-being is affected as a
result of mental ill health in the short-term, often leading to longer term problems.

Eating disorders have short-term implications for physical health, as well as affecting
mental health in other ways. Changes in skin and hair health, dry mouth, tooth erosion
and decay, kidney stones, constipation and brittle bones are just some of these effects.

Key Fact

The UK has the highest self-harm rate of any country in Europe with
estimates that 400 in 100,000 people self-harm. These figures are
likely to be higher, as many people who self-harm do not tell anyone
about it. Self-harm can affect anyone, however, the majority of
people who report self-harm are aged between 11 and 25.

Source: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg133/resources/selfharm-
in-over-8s-longterm-management-35109508689349

Bullying, including cyberbullying, has a significant impact on mental health and
well-being in the short-term. The victims of bullying are excluded from their peer
groups, resulting in loneliness and social isolation. Withdrawal and low self-esteem
often follow, sometimes leading to depression. The bullies themselves and those
who witness the bullying are also affected.

Key Fact

A recent study found that college student victims of cyberbullying
scored higher than matched controls on measures of depression,
anxiety, phobic anxiety and paranoia.

Source: Schenk A.M., Fremouw W.J.: Prevalence, Psychological
Impact, and Coping of Cyberbully Victims Among
College Students

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