New research from the University of Essex suggests that young people living in some of the most deprived parts of the English coastline are three times more likely to suffer from an undiagnosed mental health condition than those who live inland. The reasons behind this are likely to be varied and complex.

The research

The research was carried out between 2018 and 2023, studying data from 28,000 adults across the UK with the aim of seeing how different generations experience life in today’s Britain.

As well as undiagnosed mental health conditions, the then Chief Medical Officer for England, Christ Whitty, reported that diagnosed mental health conditions were also higher among young people living in coastal areas.

Possible causes

There are likely to be a number of factors leading to the mental health coastline gap. But the fact that so many are living with undiagnosed conditions suggests that one factor may be long waiting times for children’s and young people’s mental health services. Investment in youth services may be key to easing the problem.

If you work in mental health services or are interested in doing so, undertaking and updating training is essential. An internet search will give you training options in your area. For example, you might search for mental health training courses Milton Keynes, to get results like tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/milton-keynes.

Higher levels of poverty are also likely to be a factor. Young people living on the coast are likely to be in areas where incomes are low, and many are renting from private landlords. These areas are often isolated geographically, often with poor public transport links, making it harder to both seek help for mental health problems or to seek out opportunities to improve their income. Rates of progression to higher education tend to be lower in these areas, and crime is higher.

People who visit seaside locations may be surprised at this bleak picture, not realising that behind a vibrant seafront are areas of deprivation. This increases the disconnect for young people, who feel their town is not being maintained for them.