YOUNG people across the UK are feeling isolated and lonely, with no one to turn to to share their emotions and problems, a report has found.
One in four youngsters say they often feel left out, while a similar proportion feel isolated from others, it suggests. And more than one in five believe that where they live has a negative impact on their mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation study warns that early life experiences, where youngsters live, exploring their identity as they grow up and pressures as they leave school are all factors that can pose a risk to good mental health.
The report includes the findings of an online survey of more than 2,500 young people. The poll found that just 54 per cent of young adults feel able to speak about their emotions with others, while 14 per cent say they do not have a trusted adult to go to for advice and support.
One in four (25 per cent) say they often feel they lack companionship, while the same proportion say they often feel left out, and 27 per cent feel isolated from others.
A fifth (21 per cent) said that where they live has a negative impact on their mental health.
Just over half of those questioned were confident that they know where to go to find help if they are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing, while a just a third (34 per cent) are confident that they would get the help they need.
Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "With only half of young people saying they can speak about their emotions with others, our society needs to go a lot further in tackling issues like stigma and opening up channels for young people to talk about their problems."
