• Question: 1. Including research from your studies.. what would be your message to young people in the world struggling with their mental health?

    Asked by anon-342634 on 29 Nov 2022.
    • Photo: Clare Ashton

      Clare Ashton answered on 29 Nov 2022:

      Its ok not to be OK and normalising this is defo the way forward.. share thoughts and experiences with peers.

    • Photo: Mhairi Bowe

      Mhairi Bowe answered on 30 Nov 2022:

      My advice based on my research would be to find people you can connect with meaningfully, people who understand you and who you feel you can talk to and connect with. Our social identity work shows that (for people in all sorts of age groups, locations, and with various needs and experiences) sharing an ‘identification’ or sense of belonging with others (e.g., family, friends, colleagues, sport group, club, fellow students etc) helps our mental and physical health by increasing various psychological resources, e.g., sense of support, esteem, control, connection etc. It can be hard to find groups of others sometimes and connection can be slow to build but it is very worthwhile. Working towards shared goals or having some skills or interests in common at the outset can really help.

    • Photo: Liz Halstead

      Liz Halstead answered on 30 Nov 2022:

      This is a great question! My message would be:

      Always find balance in your day, listen to your body and mind and give it what it needs. Create your toolkit of quick things you can do, this might be some focused breathing or listening to a song, and make time for these during the day. Anxiety and mood will change and come and go. Look after yourself and give your body the sleep it needs.

    • Photo: Harry Piper

      Harry Piper answered on 1 Dec 2022:

      My research hasn’t touched on this but I would say be kind to yourself, take breaks, keep up with your hobbies, keep a good routine, AND if you’re struggling talk to someone. Doesn’t have to be a professional, but a friend, a family member, just someone.

Comments