Kooth Digital Health’s Post

🧠 Spotlight on Young People’s Mental Health in the UK 🧠 In recent years, young people's mental health has become one of the most pressing issues facing the UK, with concerning statistics showing a steep rise in anxiety, depression, and self-harm. The pandemic intensified these trends, but the roots of the issue run deeper—linking to pressures in education, social media, family finances, and societal expectations. Recent studies reveal: - Over 40% of young people in the UK have reported experiencing mental health challenges in the past year. - The rate of young people (aged 5-16) suffering from probable mental health issues rose from 1 in 9 in 2017 to 1 in 6 in 2021. - Many mental health services are underfunded and struggle to meet demand, leading to long waiting times and barriers to access. This mental health crisis affects more than just individuals—it impacts schools, families, workplaces, and communities. When young people lack the mental health support they need, it hinders their personal development and limits their future potential. Addressing this crisis requires: - Increased investment in mental health services and early intervention programs. - More mental health education and resources in schools to build resilience. - Open, supportive conversations that reduce stigma and encourage young people to seek help. - Innovation to disrupt the current growing problem As a society, we must prioritise young people's mental health as part of our national agenda. Supporting young people isn’t just a health issue—it’s about empowering the next generation to thrive. #YoungPeople #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportYoungPeople #MentalHealthMatters #Wellbeing YoungMinds SMASH Youth Project Philip Marshman Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP

Mental health in the UK is getting worse. Sickness absence due to mental illness is soaring, rates of mental health difficulties are increasing, and already overstretched services are struggling to meet rising demands.  We need to act now to turn the tide. No student should be held back by their mental health! Along with over 60 organisations, we’ve set out concrete policies we want to see adopted as part of a ten-year, cross-government mental health strategy. We want every political party to adopt these actions in their manifestos ahead of the forthcoming general election. Will you join us in calling on MPs and parliamentary candidates to build a mentally healthier nation? https://lnkd.in/eNYavjk3

Investing in mental health is a critical endeavor that can yield numerous benefits for individuals and society as a whole. In the wake of the pandemic, the need for a greater focus on mental health has become more evident than ever before. The impact of the pandemic on mental health has been profound, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. From increased levels of anxiety and depression to rising rates of substance abuse, the toll on mental well-being has been significant. By investing in mental health now, we have the opportunity to address these challenges head-on and prevent long-term consequences. Not only does prioritising mental health improve the quality of life for individuals, but it also has ripple effects that can benefit society as a whole. By supporting mental health initiatives, we can reduce healthcare costs, increase productivity, and create a more resilient and thriving community. Furthermore, the strain on healthcare systems like the NHS further highlights the need for increased investment in mental health. By proactively addressing mental health issues, we can alleviate pressure on healthcare providers, reduce the burden on emergency services, and ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need in a timely manner. In essence, investing in mental health is an investment in the well-being and future of our society. By taking action now, we can start to build a healthier, more resilient population that is better equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow. #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #manifesto #centreformentalhealth

Having seen first hand the difference that Kooth and other digital mental health providers can make in terms of improving lives and in many cases saving lives, it is imperative that Governments, whoever is in power, put mental health provision at the top of the agenda.

As an Associate of the Design in Mental Health Network I wanted to share my support for the Manifesto for a mentally healthier nation. Mental health in the UK is getting worse. Sickness absence due to mental illness is soaring, rates of mental health difficulties are increasing, and already overstretched vital services are struggling to meet rising demands.  It is important to act now to help turn the tide. Along with over 60 organisations, concrete policies have been set out that we want to see adopted as part of a ten-year, cross-government mental health strategy. We want every political party to adopt these actions in their manifestos ahead of the forthcoming general election. This is an important piece of work, so if you have an interest in helping secure a mental healthier nation, regardless of your background or socio-economic status, please grab a coffee, find out more and support the manifesto. https://lnkd.in/e7xjXcrS

CELEBRATE NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2024 Senior Health Information Network is a community partner that joins National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month! This annual observance raises awareness about the unique challenges that affect the mental health of racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. This July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is focusing on improving mental health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities through its 2024 theme Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. This theme calls on each of us to better understand how the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances (known as social determinants of health, or SDOH) of racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN populations impact their mental health. #SourceForBetterHealth and #NMMHAM.

A recent study from Meharry Medical College and the Deloitte Health Equity Institute projects that mental health inequities could cost the U.S. $14 trillion by 2040. We don't often discuss the significant economic burden that untreated mental health conditions pose. It's imperative that we meet studies like this—all pointing to the worsening of the mental health crisis—with action. Continuing to destigmatize mental health, advocate for awareness and legislative action, and demand better funding for mental health care are just a few things we can do to make a difference. #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness

The Mental Health Act reform released today by the Department of Health and Social Care represents a much needed and long awaited change in supporting individuals with mental health needs, especially those requiring urgent care and those with autism and learning disabilities. Definitely required with the focus on rights, dignity, and appropriate care. There is however, an essential opportunity to further strengthen a collective approach by emphasising prevention and resilience-building, particularly for young children. Early intervention and proactive support are vital for children’s mental well-being, long before a crisis arises. MiniMe Mindfulness Ipswich focuses on equipping young children with mindfulness tools to build resilience and emotional well-being from an early age. By teaching these techniques in a fun, engaging, and age-appropriate way, we provide children with practical skills that supports emotional well-being, setting them up for healthier futures and potentially reducing the need for reactive interventions later in life. As the #MentalHealthBill moves forward, we encourage a broader conversation around mental health support, especially preventive measures that address challenges before they reach a crisis point. Programs like those delivered by MiniMe Mindfulness Ipswich can serve as valuable components to formal mental health services, creating a proactive culture of mental wellness starting from early years. #MentalHealthReform #EarlyYears #Prevention #FutureGeneration Sophie Alexander Jack Abbott Suffolk County Council Department of Health and Social Care NHS England

Change “𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹.” This is what the Premier said when promising to implement all of the recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The promises may not fully transform the mental health system, but properly implemented, they would make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. The government routinely reinforced that it was going to implement all 74 recommendations. It became mantra. A calling card that defined it. But what we all know that the government intends to break those promises and breach the standard they set for themselves. At risk are: 🫂 The Regional Boards, which put control over services in the hands of the community, including people with lived experience 🏠 The Lived Experience Agency, due at the end of 2022, and which was crucial to transformation 🚨 A Health-Led (rather than police) response, which being far from perfect, would have prevented a great deal of police violence & killings ⚖️ Reforms to mental health laws, which have been put on ice 📉 A strategy for eliminating seclusion and restraint 📈 Roll-out of the Local Services, as well as a more thoughtful development of those services to provide a point of difference to the current system 📏 The Outcomes Framework that was meant to guide the investments and transformation process In this opinion piece for the Age, I don't ask the big questions. Instead, I ask the more basic question: has the government kept its own promises. The answer is, at yet, a disturbing no. An inquiry is needed to examine where and why the government broke that promise. https://lnkd.in/gJs-Bq4A Kevin Kerin Bernadette Terry Maria Tass Rebecca Gill Laura Tom National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF) Juanita Chris Turning Point Addiction Treatment, Research and Education VMIAC Mental Health Victoria Richard Sam Daniel Shannon

📣 We’re at a critical juncture when it comes to mental health. With the General Election nearing and the mental health of our nation deteriorating generally and alarmingly amongst our young people, the time to act and speak up is now. This election presents a pivotal opportunity for political parties to demonstrate their commitment to reversing this trend and building a #MentallyHealthierNation. The Centre for Mental Health has outlined 3 key themes for us to focus on to get there: 👉 Prevention: Tackling the root causes of mental ill health, where prevention is not just better but essential. 👉 Equality: Eradicating disparities to ensure everyone, irrespective of their background, has equal footing in accessing mental health support. 👉 Support: Streamlining and strengthening the framework of mental health services for timely and community-centered care. The path to a #MentallyHealthierNation is paved with informed choices and collective action. Let's use this election to champion mental health, pushing it to the top of our nation's agenda. Share their report and summary to show your support! https://lnkd.in/eNQ9qgb8 #GeneralElection #MentalHealthAwareness #PublicHealthPolicy #YouthMentalHealth #Education