Concerns over mental health support available to young people in Kent

Do young people have enough support for mental health in Kent?

As the years go on, the stigma of opening up about mental health has gradually been worn down. More and more people each year approach the NHS, councillors and psychologists to seek help in regards to their mentality and emotional health.

However, are the government and GP’s ready for this ever-increasing surge?

Many feel that social media has played an important role in helping young people to open up about their mental health, with the anonymity they can have behind a screen name, users can connect with others who have similar feelings.

For some, this is enough, but for many further help is required.

Over the last five years alone, the number of people who suffer some form of mental health issue has spiked. A particularly vulnerable group are teenagers and young adults.

https://infogram.com/mental-health-pie-chart-1hmr6gy95plo6nl?live

In a study, it was found that Thanet had the worst mental health stats in the south of England. A worrying 1 in 10 adults suffered from depression and that doctors were giving out 1.4 prescriptions for antidepressants for every person in the area; higher than the national average.

On the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Canterbury and Coastal ranked number 113 of 207.

A saddening but key factor in this struggle for mental health support is to do with the poverty and depravity faced by many in these areas around Kent. The public services that the NHS offer are overrun and many are trying to turn to private healthcare, which for many, is unaffordable.

Despite these daunting statistics, there are many charities and groups who work to provide support and services for those who are affected by a whole spectrum of conditions.

If you or someone you or a loved one are suffering from any mental health issues, click here for available help.