Mental health and wellbeing: young people's experience
Download (PDF 984.97 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch North Yorkshire undertook research to understand what mental health and wellbeing issues young people are facing, who they turn to for support and their experience of accessing support. They undertook a survey to which 126 people responded and ran three focus groups.
Around 72% of the sample have experienced mental health issues, particularly anxiety, stress, depression and loneliness. Of those in the sample that sought help (50%), most went to their GP, talked to their family and friends or spoke with someone at their college, university or school.
A supportive network of family and friends, exercise and being outdoors, a positive home and school environment and having time for hobbies all help contribute towards positive mental health and well-being in young people. Whilst many young people found the support offered useful in helping them understand, express and reframe their emotions, they also highlighted a number of ways that support needs to be improved.
As 50% of young people that Healthwatch North Yorkshire heard from did not seek any support, this suggests there needs to be more awareness raised around accessing mental health support and further work is needed to reduce the stigma that still exists around mental health.
The report includes 8 recommendations.