Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher has urged families, schools, youth services and community organisations to look beyond diagnosis and medication when supporting young people experiencing mental distress.
Writing in a message published by Stroud Times, Dr Opher said the rise in mental distress among young people was real. He wrote that, in his work as a GP, he recognised young people struggling with anxiety, low mood, loneliness, self-harm and pressure linked to school, social media and an uncertain future.
His comments followed news coverage of Professor Peter Fonagy’s independent review into mental-health conditions, ADHD and autism. Dr Opher said the review had prompted an important distinction: recognising that a young person is struggling does not automatically mean they should receive a diagnosis.
Support beyond the consulting room
The MP said antidepressants and other medicines could be important for some people, but should be used carefully. He argued that medication was not a universal answer and warned against treating the ordinary difficulties of growing up as medical conditions.
In his view, a young person may instead need somebody prepared to listen, a safe place to belong and practical help with the problems affecting their life. He said this required support beyond the GP surgery, involving families, friends, schools, youth services, voluntary organisations and wider communities.
Dr Opher also linked young people’s wellbeing to opportunities for social connection. He said excessive social-media use could contribute to isolation, and called for more chances for young people to meet others, build confidence and develop a sense of belonging.
Government and schools
The Stroud MP said the Government was introducing measures including mental-health workers in schools and additional mental-health funding. He also said schools were making significant progress in supporting pupils and encouraging them to support one another.
However, he argued that the pressures affecting young people should not be viewed only as health-service problems. Mental wellbeing, he said, was a wider social issue requiring action from the people and organisations around children and teenagers.
The message ended with a focus on the value of listening. Dr Opher said being heard could be the beginning of getting better, putting relationships and early support at the centre of his argument about children’s mental health.
The article was published on a page headed “Stroud MP’s message on children’s mental health” by Stroud Times. The page is marked “Updated: September 23, 2026” while the byline carries September 24, 2026.