A new report has laid bare the scale of Wales’ growing mental health crisis among children and young people, with more than 135,000 estimated to be living with a diagnosable mental health condition.

The findings, published by Public Health Wales, show sharp rises in emotional difficulties such as anxiety, alongside increasing cases of eating disorders and self-harming behaviours across all genders.

The report — Health Needs Assessment: Mental Health of Babies, Children and Young People in Wales — paints a deeply concerning picture of rising need across all age groups, from early childhood through to young adulthood.

It estimates that around 1 in 6 children aged 8 to 10, 1 in 5 aged 11 to 16, and 1 in 4 aged 17 to 24 are living with a diagnosable mental health condition.

Particularly concerning, the data suggests that 1 in 4 girls and around 1 in 2 trans or gender-questioning secondary school pupils are experiencing low mental wellbeing, highlighting widening inequalities in mental health outcomes.

The report also points to a range of contributing factors, including child poverty, social inequality, academic pressure, parental mental health challenges and the growing influence of digital technology. It warns that these pressures are increasingly taking hold at younger ages and becoming more entrenched by adolescence.

At the same time, it stresses that protective factors — including strong early relationships, community support, physical activity and access to creativity and play — can make a significant difference in helping children build resilience.

A particular concern raised is the importance of early intervention in the first 1,000 days of life. The report estimates that around 25–30% of parent-infant relationships would benefit from additional support during this period, yet many families do not receive help early enough.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health problems were estimated to cost the Welsh economy around £4.8 billion each year, with costs now believed to be higher due to increased demand and complexity of need.

Emily van de Venter, Lead Consultant in Mental Wellbeing at Public Health Wales, said too many young people were struggling with distress and low wellbeing.

She said: “There are too many children and young people in Wales who are experiencing distress, low mental wellbeing and mental health conditions. These young people have faced huge challenges including the pandemic, financial insecurity and challenging digital environments.

“Our young people are our future, and they need support as they go through these challenges and it’s important that we listen to their concerns and support them.

“Mental wellbeing needs to be placed at the heart of social, economic and environmental policy and that starts from the very early years of life.”

Mental health charities also warned of mounting pressure on services.

Simon Jones, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind Cymru, said demand for support was outpacing capacity, but highlighted early intervention programmes showing positive results.

Meanwhile, Dr Jen Daffin of Platfform said wider issues such as poverty, trauma and inequality must be addressed alongside mental health services.

She said: “We need to recognise the impact of trauma, inequality and life experiences on mental health. It’s hard for parents to be at their best for their children when they’re worried about paying bills or keeping a roof over their heads.

“This is how we can turn the tide on the rising levels of mental ill health and protect future generations here in Wales.”

Support services remain available across Wales for anyone struggling, including NHS 111 (press 2) for urgent mental health support and the CALL Mental Health Helpline on 0800 132 737 or text “help” to 81066.

Public Health Wales says urgent action is needed across health, education and wider public services to address what it describes as a deepening and complex crisis affecting the country’s youngest generations.