PRESSURE on youth psychiatric services (EA April 30) has made the thankless task that Dr Eastgate and his team have on their hands unenviable.

Is it any wonder that our youngsters end up in the way they do when they are under enormous stress from educational standards, their peers and the media images of popular people they think it's safe (or wise) to copy? I thought things were bad when I was young but now it's even worse.

Drinking, drugs, eating disorders and even crime looks good as these so-called role-models appear to get away from it fairly unscathed.

Until action is taken across the country child psychiatrists and psychologists will continue to feel the pressure of increasing demand, helping people otherwise destined for a gloomy future, if any.

(Miss) P EDWARDS

Brockdene Lodge

Haydon Wick

Swindon