ONE in 10 youngsters in Wales is struggling to cope with day-to-day life, according to a new report out today.
The findings uncovered by The Prince's Trust Youth index show that unemployed youngsters, or those not in education or training find it more difficult to deal with life than their peers.
Following interviews with 2,136 youngsters aged between 16 to 25 it emerged that more than a quarter didn't have someone to talk through their problems while they were growing up.
Antony Metcalfe, head of programmes, education, training and development at The Prince's Trust Cymru, said: "A frightening number of unemployed young people in Wales feels unable to cope — and it is particularly tough for those who don't have a support network in place.
"We know at The Prince's Trust that it is often those from the most vulnerable backgrounds who end up furthest from the job market.
"Life can become a demoralising downward spiral — from a challenging childhood into life as a jobless adult.
"But with the right support, we can help get these lives on track across Wales."
The findings released today come at a time when the youth unemployment rate in Wales stands at 23.6 per cent and long-term youth unemployment has been on the rise with an 262 per cent increase since the beginning of the recession.
Carmarthen-based Ryan O' Hara, 18, managed to leave school with good GCSEs despite battling mental health problems at a younger age. But he took a blow to his confidence when he realised a National Diploma in Art and Design wasn't for him and he became unemployed leading him to spiral into severe depression.
He said he was only able to go forward because of the support he had from The Prince's Trust and is now studying social care after realising his future is working alongside youngsters.
He added: "Before The Prince's Trust I never saw myself talking in front of large gatherings in front of large gatherings, never mind receiving such fantastic feedback. "The Prince's Trust has turned my life around.
"So many young people are unemployed in my local area, and I would encourage those young people to think about getting help from the Trust. It is possible to change your life for the better."