A recent study conducted by the Resolution Foundation has shed light on concerning trends regarding the intersection of mental health and employment among young people. Contrary to historical patterns, the study finds that individuals in their early 20s are facing higher rates of worklessness due to ill health compared to their older counterparts.
The report highlights a substantial increase in mental health issues among young people, as official statistics reveal a concerning trend. Between 2021 and 2022, 34% of people ranging from 18 to 24 reported experiencing symptoms of various mental disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression. This was a 24% increase since 2000. Moreover, it’s alarming that over half a million individuals in this age bracket were prescribed antidepressants during this timeframe.
Economic repercussions of poor mental health are stark, particularly for non-graduate young individuals. One in three young non-graduates with common mental disorders are currently unemployed, indicating a profound impact on their ability to participate in the workforce.
Gender disparities also emerge, with young women being one-and-a-half times more likely to experience poor mental health compared to young men. Additionally, the majority of 18 to 24 year olds who are workless due to ill health possess qualifications at GCSE level or below, suggesting a correlation between educational attainment and mental well-being.
The study highlights the critical role of early intervention in addressing mental health issues, particularly during adolescence. Children aged 11 to 14 experiencing poor mental health are three times more likely to face academic setbacks, emphasizing the need for better mental health support within educational institutions.
In response to these findings, the Resolution Foundation is calling for improved mental health support in colleges and sixth forms, alongside efforts to enhance educational outcomes for young people. The Health Foundation, which funded the research, emphasizes the importance of good employment and education as fundamental pillars of health and well-being.
Jo Bibby, director of the Health Foundation, underscores the need for cross-government action to prevent the emergence of a “lost generation” due to poor mental health. Despite the recent cessation of the Labour Force Survey by the Office for National Statistics, the data used in the study is deemed accurate enough by the Health Foundation to warrant urgent attention to these pressing issues.
Basically, the study’s findings paint a concerning picture of the mental health landscape among young people, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to provide adequate support and intervention. Addressing the intersection of mental health and unemployment is crucial in ensuring the well-being and prosperity of future generations.