1 in 4 Young People in England Will Start 2026 Struggling

And What That Means for All of Us

You have probably heard a lot about stress among young people in recent years, but the truth is far more serious than many realise. A major national survey revealed something deeply worrying. Around one in four young people in England is now experiencing common mental health disorders. Anxiety, depression and stress are rising faster than ever.

This is not a small increase. This is a generational shift. 2026 Struggling is inevitable.

If you listen to conversations in schools, universities and workplaces, you can already hear it in the background. The overwhelm. The fear of failure. The pressure to succeed. The exhaustion. Many young people feel like they are running a race with no finish line.

And when you combine social pressure, financial strain, unpredictable job markets and unstable housing, the emotional load becomes too heavy for anyone to handle alone.

Life for Young People Today Is Not What It Was Even Ten Years Ago

Older generations sometimes compare their experiences and believe young adults today should simply toughen up. But the reality is that the world has changed. The pressures facing young people are completely different from what existed before:

• The cost of living is higher

• Rent takes a huge chunk of income

• Education is expensive

• Job security feels unreliable

• Social media amplifies comparison anxiety

• Climate concerns create a sense of uncertainty

• Relationships feel more fragile

• Life feels less predictable

Young people are growing up in an environment where stability is a luxury, not a given. No wonder anxiety is rising. No wonder depression is increasing. No wonder so many feel overwhelmed.

2026 Struggling: The Weight of Constant Pressure

Many young people feel like they are constantly being evaluated. Every exam, every assignment, every email, every message, every post, every update feels like a test. The pressure to perform academically, socially and professionally is relentless.

There is no room to pause. There is no room to breathe. There is no room to simply be young.

What makes things worse is that young people often feel guilty for struggling. They think everyone else is coping better. They think their feelings make them weak. They think they should be achieving more and faster.

But what they are experiencing is not a personal flaw. It is the impact of an overwhelming world.

The Impact on Mental Wellbeing

When one in four young people is struggling, it affects more than just their private emotional world. It affects families, communities, workplaces and the future of society.

Here are some common effects:

• Difficulty focusing

• Sleep problems

• Mood swings

• Social withdrawal

• Overthinking

• Burnout

• Fear of the future

• Feeling disconnected from themselves

When emotional distress is left unaddressed, it affects everything. Academic performance relationships job performance, and physical health all begin to suffer.

So What Can Be Done

Understanding Is the Beginning

Before anything else, we need to understand the emotional landscape young people are living in. Not dismissing their feelings. Not comparing them to past generations. Not telling them to toughen up. We need to give them space to express without fear.

Support is not always fixing. Support is often listening. Support is understanding.

The Power of Reflection in a Chaotic World

Young people today need tools that help them slow down and understand themselves, especially when they are constantly bombarded with imagery and ideas online. Reflection is one of the most powerful ways to do that. It allows them to step outside the constant noise and return to their inner world.

Journaling helps with:

• Clarity

• Emotional regulation

• Processing stress

• Tracking triggers

• Noticing improvements

• Understanding personal needs

• Building self-awareness

• Strengthening resilience

It gives them a private safe space where they can be honest about their fears and hopes.

The Discovery Journal is a quick and gentle, supportive tool for young people who feel overwhelmed (it also comes with a neurodiverse version!). Structured prompts help them understand their emotions, reduce stress and build resilience in a calm and private way.

Why Young People Respond Well to Journaling

Young minds are adaptable. They are open to new tools. They are curious. They are expressive. Journaling is perfect for this age group because it gives freedom without pressure. They can write, scribble, draw or reflect however they choose.

It also puts them back in control. When life feels unpredictable, journaling reminds them they still have a voice.

They can choose what to let go of. They can choose what to focus on. They can choose what matters to them.

This sense of empowerment is key to strengthening mental health.

The Role of Community and Real Connection

Young people need connection now more than ever. Real connection. Real conversations. Real spaces where they feel seen, heard and valued. Journaling is not a replacement for human support, but it can open the doorway to emotionally healthier relationships.

When young people understand themselves better, they communicate more openly. They build healthier connections. They create stronger boundaries. They recognise what drains them and what nourishes them.

Better self-awareness leads to better relationships.

Young people are not fragile. They are not broken. They are trying to survive during one of the most emotionally complex times in recent history. They deserve compassion, guidance and tools that support their inner strength.

With understanding, connection and reflective practices, we can help this generation enter 2026 with more clarity and more hope. And every small tool that supports mental health, including journaling, can make a real difference.