As a society, we must do better to address the mental health needs of our young people. Recent statistics show that the number of young people experiencing mental health issues is on the rise.
In 2017, a survey was conducted to assess the state of children's mental health. Follow-up surveys were conducted in 2020, 2021, and 2022 to track any changes. The results of the survey suggest that a significant portion of young people are living with mental health disorders.
According to the survey, 18% of 7-16 year olds - or about one in every five children in this age group - have a probable mental disorder. In addition, nearly 33% of female 17-24 year olds and nearly 20% of male 7-16 year olds are also likely to have a mental health disorder.
Young people who are living with a mental health disorder are also more likely to engage in self-harm, with 28% reporting that they had talked about self-harm in the past four weeks. They are also more likely to live in households where paying bills and putting food on the table is a challenge.
It's clear that we need to take action to address this crisis. We must prioritise the mental health of our young people and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive.
There are several steps that we can take to improve the mental health of young people.
Better access to mental health care professionals
For one, we can provide better access to mental health services. This means making sure that young people have access to mental health professionals who can provide them with the care and support they need. Mind Body Goals, the company who design and manufacture Luma³, knew this when they were looking for investors. That's why they were thrilled to find MD Educational Foundation to join them on their journey. MD Educational Foundation place qualified mental health professionals into secondary schools, and conduct nationwide research into the state of mental wellbeing in young people.
Better education on mental health and self care
We can also improve mental health education in schools. By teaching young people about mental health, we can help them understand the importance of taking care of their mental wellbeing and provide them with the tools they need to manage their mental health. One such tool is of course Luma³ which can be used by individuals as well as large groups to practice conscious breathing and mindfulness. As part of their 10:1 Initiative, for every 10 Luma³ sold, 1 goes free to a school college or university to help support young people's mental health and aid education around mental health self care.
Support for parents and caregivers
In addition, we can provide more support for parents and caregivers. Many parents and caregivers are unsure of how to support their young ones who are experiencing mental health issues. By providing them with resources and information, we can help them better understand and support their children. In the future Mind Body Goals will provide such free resources for parents through their work in schools and links with like minded organisations.
In conclusion, the mental health crisis among young people is a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. By providing better access to mental health care professionals, improving mental health education in schools, and supporting parents and caregivers, we can help young people to thrive and lead healthy and happy lives.
