A growing concern about the mental health of children and young people has prompted experts to reassess the role of resilience in tackling the mental health crisis. With rising cases of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, professionals suggest that fostering resilience among young people could provide a solution to help them navigate their struggles before they escalate.
Jane Graham, a school nurse with nearly 20 years of experience, has seen a dramatic shift in the nature of her work. “When I began, most of the issues we dealt with were physical, like asthma or injuries. Now, mental health is the top concern,” she explains. Graham observes that the problems often start at a very young age, with children as young as seven displaying symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. These conditions often lead to more severe outcomes such as self-harm, eating disorders, and attendance issues.
The mental health of children is a growing crisis. According to recent data from the NHS, one in five children between the ages of eight and 25 in England is experiencing a mental health disorder. In 2024, Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, called the state of children’s mental health “shocking,” citing an overstretched system struggling to meet the demands.
While experts point to factors such as the pandemic, economic stress, and social media as contributors to this crisis, some believe the root cause lies in a lack of resilience among young people. The idea of resilience is being revisited as a potential solution. Resilience refers to the ability to recover quickly from challenges and stresses, an essential skill for thriving in today’s world. But experts are divided on whether today’s youth have the tools they need to cope with modern pressures.
The notion of resilience has sparked a polarizing debate. On one side, child psychiatrist Prof. Andrea Danese from King’s College London argues that building emotional resilience in children is vital. Prof. Danese explains that while raising awareness of mental health is beneficial, it can sometimes lead to over-pathologizing normal distress. “Facing challenges and discomfort is a natural part of growing up,” he says. “It’s through these experiences that children develop resilience and coping strategies.”
Ms. Graham agrees, emphasizing the need to teach young people better coping mechanisms. “If we equip children with resilience, they are more likely to deal with smaller challenges before they escalate,” she asserts. “Schools need to place more emphasis on mental health education and resilience-building activities.”
Resilience has long been a topic of interest in psychology, popularized in the 1970s by research from psychologist Emmy Werner. More recently, books like Option B by Sheryl Sandberg have reignited interest in the concept, showing how resilience can act as a buffer against adversity. Studies have demonstrated that resilience helps young people cope better with stress, seek support, and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms like drugs or alcohol.
However, not all experts agree on the solution. Dr. Shari McDaid of the Mental Health Foundation cautions that the focus on resilience may be misleading. She argues that increased mental health awareness has led to better “mental health literacy,” empowering people to manage their emotions more effectively. “We should focus on preventing mental distress from escalating into full-blown mental health disorders,” she says, advocating for a society-wide approach that includes creating supportive environments in schools, communities, and workplaces.
Dr. McDaid also points out that today’s youth face a unique set of challenges. Many were children during the 2008 financial crisis, lived through Brexit divisions, and have come of age during the global pandemic. Social media also plays a crucial role in exacerbating issues such as body image and cyberbullying, which contribute to rising anxiety and depression.
Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, argues that the digital age has fundamentally altered childhood. In his book The Anxious Generation, Haidt suggests that the shift from in-person socialization to online interactions has contributed to heightened anxiety and lower self-esteem among young people.
While social media may amplify mental health struggles, Prof. Danese believes it alone cannot explain the rise in mental health disorders. “The causes are complex,” he admits, “and are likely due to a combination of many factors.”
Despite the challenges young people face, experts agree that the concept of resilience alone won’t resolve the mental health crisis. Adele Zeynep Walton, author of Logging Off: The Human Cost of Our Digital World, likens the focus on resilience to “putting a plaster on a gaping wound.” She argues that syste
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