Lisa Edmondson – Women’s Health and Hormone Lead, Nurse, Master Holistic Health Coach
In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in children and young people (up to 24 years of age) being diagnosed with a wide range of health conditions. ADHD, autism, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, gluten and other food intolerances, anxiety, and depression are becoming increasingly common. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals alike are asking the same question: why are our young people struggling so much?
The Changing Health Landscape for Young People
The health challenges facing children today are very different from those of past generations. While modern medicine has solved many infectious diseases, we are now faced with a new wave of chronic, lifestyle-related conditions that affect both body and mind. The rise of neurodevelopmental disorders, autoimmune conditions, and mental health struggles cannot be ignored.
What’s Driving the Rise?
There is no single answer, but rather a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and societal factors. Key influences include:
- Dietary Changes: Modern diets are often low in quality protein and high in processed foods, sugar, and gluten. This shift compromises metabolism, hormone balance, and brain health.
- Environmental Toxins: Chemicals in clothing, deodorants, fragrances, and even household products are contributing to a greater toxic load for children’s developing bodies.
- Technology and EMF Exposure: Hours spent on devices at home and school expose children to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and limit time outdoors. Cell phone towers add to this invisible stressor.
- Sedentary Lifestyles: Communities are not always safe or designed for walking. Children have fewer opportunities to move, play, and explore, which weakens resilience and contributes to poor physical and mental health.
- Lack of Resilience and Social Skills: In our attempt to make life easier for children, society has inadvertently reduced opportunities to struggle, adapt, and grow. This lack of resilience can increase vulnerability to anxiety and depression.
- The Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic disrupted schooling, socialisation, and healthy routines. Many children spent long hours on devices while parents were working, which has left a lasting impact on social skills, teamwork, and emotional stability.
Together, these factors paint a picture of a generation under stress — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Why This Matters
The increasing rates of these conditions are not just numbers on a chart — they represent young people whose quality of life, education, and future opportunities are being affected. If left unaddressed, we risk raising a generation burdened by chronic health conditions and limited resilience.
What Can We Do?
The good news is that there are solutions. By addressing the root causes and empowering families with the right tools, we can begin to reverse these worrying trends.
At Global Health, we take a comprehensive, holistic approach to support children, young people, and their families. Our programs include:
- My Wellbeing Solutions: Epigenetics & Nutritional Programme | Baby & Child to identify sensitivities, deficiencies, and imbalances.
- Metabolic and Hormone Analysis to address underlying drivers of fatigue, mood, and resilience.
- Personalised Nutrition and Lifestyle Plans that focus on whole, unprocessed foods, adequate protein, and improved gut health.
- Resilience and Emotional Wellbeing Coaching to help young people and families develop stronger coping strategies in today’s complex world.
- Education for Parents so that families can make informed, empowered choices in their homes and communities.
By combining advanced diagnostic tools with compassionate, personalised care, we help create the conditions for children and young people to thrive.
Final Thoughts
The rise in ADHD, autism, endometriosis, food sensitivities, anxiety, and depression among young people is a real concern — but it is also a call to action. By recognising the root causes and working together, we can support the next generation in reclaiming their health and resilience.
At Global Health, we are committed to guiding families on this journey, offering science-based solutions that empower children and young people to grow into healthy, balanced adults.