Supporting young people facing mental health challenges

In Ireland, a significant portion of the population is under 25 years old. Research shows that 75% of mental health disorders begin before the age of 25. Despite this vulnerability during youth, many young individuals do not receive adequate support. For instance, a European study revealed that almost half of adolescents who engaged in deliberate self-harm did not receive any help afterwards, leading to significant burden.

Mental health conditions can impact various aspects of young people's lives, including social, emotional, and cognitive development, educational achievements, and overall well-being. Poor mental health is closely linked to other health issues in young individuals, such as substance abuse and poor sexual health.

Understanding the various factors that influence youth mental health, including protective and risk factors, is crucial in addressing mental health challenges effectively. Additionally, gaining insights into how young people seek help is essential for enhancing the quality and outcomes of mental healthcare.

The focus of this article is to highlight key findings from the My World Survey 2 related to help-seeking patterns among youth and the significant risk and protective factors, particularly lifestyle factors impacting young people's mental health.

Methodology:

The My World Survey 2 examined both risk factors associated with mental health distress and protective factors that can enhance young people's mental well-being. The study involved nearly 10,500 adolescents aged 12-19 from 83 second-level schools and 7,897 young adults aged 18-25 from universities and institutes of technology.

Mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression were assessed using standardized scales. The survey revealed a concerning increase in severe anxiety and depression levels among both adolescents and young adults compared to previous studies.

Key Trends:

While there was a rise in anxiety and depression levels, there was also an increase in protective factors, particularly concerning family support and having a significant adult in one's life. The presence of a supportive adult, known as One Good Adult, was associated with better mental health outcomes in young individuals.

Help-seeking Behavior:

The survey indicated that many young people are reluctant to talk about their problems, with a notable decrease in the proportion of adolescents discussing their issues between MWS-1 and MWS-2. However, those who do talk about their problems are more likely to confide in their family members. Stigma remains a significant barrier, as some young individuals prefer not to talk to anyone about their mental health concerns.

Sources of Support:

Young people tend to seek informal sources of support, primarily from their social networks. Parents, friends, and relatives are commonly identified as sources of support for mental health issues. Professional help-seeking behaviors vary between adolescents and young adults, with GPs being a popular choice for seeking support.

Lifestyle Factors:

The survey also explored lifestyle factors like sleep, social media use, and physical activity in relation to mental health. Good sleep hygiene, limited social media exposure, and regular physical activity were found to be associated with better mental health outcomes in both adolescents and young adults.

Conclusion:

The My World Survey 2 provides valuable insights into the mental health challenges faced by young people in Ireland. Identifying barriers to help-seeking and promoting healthy lifestyle choices are essential in addressing mental health issues among youth.

The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach to supporting young people's mental well-being, emphasizing the role of health professionals in providing proactive and youth-friendly care.

For more information on the My World Survey, visit www.myworldsurvey.ie.