An online UK stress survey has found that six out of ten young people aged 18–24 have felt so stressed by pressure to succeed they have felt unable to cope.
The stats, collected by the Mental Health Foundation – also found that almost half of young people (47%) had experienced significant stress in relation to body image and worries about their appearance.
Almost six out of ten (57%) young people said they have become stressed because of a fear of making mistakes.
Meanwhile three out of ten (29%) young people said they had self-harmed as a result of feeling high levels of stress.
A further four out of ten (39%) young people had experienced suicidal feelings as a result of stress.
The study is believed to be the largest and most comprehensive stress survey ever carried out across the UK with 4,619 people surveyed.
Mental Health Foundation Director Mark Rowland said:
“Our survey highlights just how vulnerable young people are to mental health problems. It shows how much pressure young people are feeling to be a success. The pressure to conform to ideal body image is also intense. Moreover, it is shocking how many young people have self-harmed or had suicidal thoughts as a result of stress.
“Given that three quarters of mental health problems are established in people by the age of 24, it is vital we tackle this as a national priority.
“That is why we are asking for all young people to receive the very best mental health education at all schools to promote their wellbeing and resilience.”
At The Wolfpack Project we are committed to helping young people deal with poor mental health, loneliness and feelings of not being able to cope. Whether it be by meeting new people at one of our coffee mornings, or coming in for a one to one with a member of our support team.
Find out more, and contact us at www.thewolfpackproject.org.uk
You can also check out our social accounts where we regularly post information on how to cope better with stress, and give some great advice and tips for keeping on top of your mental health.
