Mental health challenges are rising among kids in Europe. Discover what the latest research reveals, how it impacts your child, and practical steps you can take as a parent to support mental well-being.
The Mental Health Crisis You Can’t Ignore
A recent study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry is sending shockwaves through the parenting and mental health communities. The study—a systematic review and meta-analysis involving over 50,000 children across 14 European countries, reveals that 1 in 6 children are living with at least one mental health disorder.
Their findings? Honestly, they’re hard to ignore.
About 1 in 6 children and adolescents in Europe are living with at least one mental disorder.
Let that sink in. These aren’t just numbers. These are children, possibly yours, your child’s friends, or classmates, struggling silently.
What are the Most Common Mental Health Disorders in European Children?
The most common diagnosis was anxiety, affecting almost 8% of the kids studied. Other disorders included:
- Anxiety – 7.9%
- ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) – 2.9%
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) – 1.9%
- Depression – 1.7%
- Conduct Disorder – 1.5%
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – 1.4%
- Eating Disorders – 1.1%
Older adolescents were more likely to be affected than younger children. Notably, girls experienced higher rates of depression, while boys were more often diagnosed with ADHD and ASD.
Why This Matters to You, Even If You Don’t Live in Europe
Mental health struggles don’t recognize borders. The social, academic, and digital pressures affecting children in Europe are not unique, they’re global. These findings are a wake-up call for parents everywhere.
We need to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to our children’s mental and emotional health.
Here’s the truth: Our kids are under more pressure than ever before. And while the numbers are alarming, they also serve as a wake-up call. Mental health isn’t something we can ignore or wait to address “when it gets serious.”
It is serious now.
Ways Parents Can Support Mental Health at Home
- Pay attention to patterns: Their mood changes, withdrawal, sleep disruptions, or behavior shifts might be signs something deeper is going on.
- Make space for conversation: Even if they don’t open up right away, they need to know the door is always open.
- Partner with schools, teachers, coaches, etc: Ask questions, stay involved, and advocate for routine mental health screenings.
- Don’t wait to seek help: Whether it’s counseling, therapy, or even just talking to your pediatrician, early intervention makes a difference.
Here at The Whole Parent Co., our heart is to raise children who are not just well-behaved or high-achieving, but whole. Emotionally grounded, mentally strong, and supported by parents who see them, know them, and walk with them.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, you’re not alone.
Let’s take it one step at a time. Let’s keep learning. Let’s keep showing up.
Because our kids deserve that.