The mental health crisis facing young people in West Lothian was laid bare this week after a local charity reported that half of its clients are experiencing suicidal thoughts.
S.M.I.L.E Counselling, which provides free support to young people age 11 to 24 in West Lothian, revealed ‘suicidal ideation’, as it is known to healthcare professionals, was exhibited by a quarter of clients in 2020 – but now half of the charity’s clients in 2022 experience suicidal thoughts.
In addition to this, the charity also states that there has been a large increase in the amount of under-16s being referred for counselling.
