Two-Thirds UK Teens could have Mental Health Condition by 2030

A report has warned that nearly two-thirds of British teenagers could suffer from a mental health condition or behavioural disorder by 2030.

The report by Zurich Insurance found that mental health problems have already become common among young people aged 15 to 19.

It estimates that 51% in this age group currently live with a condition such as anxiety, depression or ADHD.

If current trends continue, Zurich forecasts this figure will rise to 64% by 2030, marking what it describes as a significant acceleration in diagnoses among teenagers.

The findings come amid growing concern among policymakers about the impact of worsening mental health on education, employment and long-term productivity.

Senior politicians, including Wes Streeting and Kemi Badenoch, have raised concerns about potential overdiagnosis of mental health conditions.

Mr Streeting has said the Government could not “sit back and ignore the rise in mental health problems in our society”.

He added: “Doing so would leave a generation of people to suffer alone and leave our economy and society deprived of their talent and potential.”

Experts say the rise in reported mental health conditions among young people reflects a complex mix of social, cultural and economic pressures, alongside greater awareness and willingness to seek support.

Will Shield, professor of child psychology at the University of Exeter, said:

“There is a risk that we’re over-medicalising normal childhood or teenage experience.

“But I think we have to ask why people are using this language to describe themselves.

“I think it is because society and things are really hard at the moment.

“It’s far easier to try to make sense of your experience through that lens of ‘I fit into this box’ or ‘this is why I find things so challenging’.”

The report also suggests that poor mental health is becoming more widespread across the wider population, with anxiety identified as the leading driver.

Zurich’s analysis found more than 10.5 million Britons are expected to suffer from anxiety by 2028, up from 8.7 million last year.

The report said deteriorating youth mental health is a global issue, but Britain stands out in comparative data.

Separate research from the Resolution Foundation found that young people in the UK report some of the lowest levels of well-being internationally.

Nye Cominetti, from the Resolution Foundation, said: “The UK, when you compare it to other countries, looks really, really bad on young people’s health.”

He added that in relation to depression, “we are worse than any other OECD country”.

“On anxiety, we also look really bad.”

Zurich’s findings similarly show British teenagers reporting worse mental health outcomes than peers in countries including Germany, Australia and Malaysia.

The report attributes rising mental health challenges to a combination of factors, including “reduced stigma, social media exposure, academic pressure, economic uncertainty and strong engagement through schools and universities”.

Professor Shield said changing attitudes have also played a role in how young people understand and communicate their well-being.

Broader behavioural trends among Gen Z are also shaping the debate.

Research suggests younger people are less likely to drink, smoke, date or have sex compared with previous generations, while showing higher engagement with fitness and structured wellbeing habits.

Economists have linked worsening mental health outcomes among teenagers to a series of structural pressures, including repeated economic shocks, stagnant wages and high housing costs.

These factors have delayed traditional milestones such as moving out of the family home and achieving financial independence.

Labour market data adds to the concern. Nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are classed as not in education, employment or training (Neet).

The Zurich report also highlights a stark employment gap linked to mental health. It found that only 53% of Britons with a mental health condition are in work, compared with 82% of those without.

Peter Hamilton, from Zurich, said: “The rise in youth mental health care needs is the start of a wave that will shape the UK’s workforce for a generation.

“Unless we intervene, mental health risks will become a persistent drag on productivity, economic growth and social mobility.”