A Quiet Crisis in Our Children’s Mental Health
Hello and welcome,
If you’ve found your way here, you’re likely someone who cares deeply about the wellbeing of a child. Perhaps you’re a parent, a teacher, or a guardian feeling concerned, overwhelmed, or simply looking for a way to help a young person thrive.
I’m Dr Shakeel Ahmed, and I understand that feeling. For over twelve years, I’ve worked with children and adolescents and over nine years as a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in the UK’s NHS. It is a role I am deeply privileged to hold, but one that has shown me a pressing need for change.
The statistics are bleak. In 2023, there were only 775 such consultant posts in the entire UK, with a staggering 19% left vacant. We are a small group, stretched thin, trying to meet the vast and growing mental health needs of our country’s youth.
But this isn’t just a story about numbers. It’s a story about a fundamental shift in our society, and the reason I’ve built The Resilience HQ.
The Changing Landscape of Childhood Support
Over my career, a profound realisation has dawned on me. A significant part of the work I do today, guiding families on sleep, managing anxiety, navigating big emotions etc, would have, in decades past, been naturally supported by a close-knit community. It would have been the wisdom of a grandparent, the reassurance of a lifelong family friend, or the steady support of a trusted teacher.
Today, many of those traditional support structures have faded. In their absence, the responsibility has fallen almost entirely to professional services like CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). We’ve become the first port of call, rather than the specialised last resort.
Let me give you one powerful example: sleep.
In 2018, the NHS spent over £35 million on Melatonin, a sleep medication. While this covers all ages, a significant portion is prescribed to those under 18. The use has only grown since. This trend makes me wonder: how did generations of children manage to sleep before this medication was widely available?
The answer isn’t a mystery. They slept because the foundations for good sleep; consistent routines, calming environments, and emotional security were woven into the fabric of daily life. Now, without that informal support, these foundational skills are often missing, and medication becomes a necessary substitute.
So, Where Does a Child Psychiatrist Fit In?
Please don’t misunderstand me. Serious mental health conditions like major depressive disorders, ADHD, and psychosis have always existed and absolutely require expert psychiatric care. Children have suffered for lack of such expertise.
The challenge today is that our specialist services are becoming clogged with issues that, while critically important, are not inherently psychiatric. They are issues of resilience, of coping, of navigating the normal, yet challenging, challenges of life. These issues perpetuate mental health difficulties and hinder recovery, but they don’t always require a psychiatrist to solve.
I try to address these issues in my clinic but this is not enough! This is the gap I hope to fill through this blog.
Introducing The Resilience HQ: A New Approach
The Resilience HQ was born from a simple, powerful belief: you can be the most influential force in a child’s mental wellbeing.
My mission is to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build resilience in the children you care for. I want to show you how to help them weather life’s storms, prevent smaller issues from becoming overwhelming crises, and foster an environment where they can truly flourish.
This isn’t about replacing specialist care. It’s about empowering you to provide the first line of defence. The kind of support that was once found in every strong community.
A Little More About Me, Dr Shakeel Ahmed
You might be wondering about the person behind this mission.
Professionally, I’ve dedicated my life to understanding the minds of young people. I have diagnosed and treated over a thousand children and their families for a wide range of conditions, from anxiety and school refusal to ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. I have also worked with children with learning/intellectual disabilities and Looked-After Children (LAC).
But my passion extends beyond the clinic walls. At my core, I am a teacher. I have tutored at medical schools, trained nurses and junior doctors, and even led a national project with the British Heart Foundation to teach life-saving CPR in mosques across the UK. I love the process of empowering others with knowledge.
When I’m not wearing my psychiatrist’s hat, you’ll find me as a leader for my local Cub Scout pack, spending time with my own family, or (slowly!) running. I’m also on my own learning journey, exploring how to connect with others through writing and, as of 2024, dipping my toes into the world of social media.
And I must confess, the whole endeavour is fuelled by a deep appreciation for a good cup of coffee, preferably from freshly ground beans. Some things are just non-negotiable!
Now, It’s Your Turn
This blog is the start of a conversation. I want this to be a place of shared learning and support.
So, I’ll turn it over to you. What are the biggest challenges you face in supporting a child’s mental health? What topics would you like me to explore in future posts?
Please feel free to share a little about yourself and your journey in the comments below.
Warm regards,
Dr Shakeel Ahmed
A Necessary Note: The information on this blog is for educational and empowerment purposes. It is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice. If you are concerned about a child’s mental health, please contact your local health professionals for individualised care.