A new £10 million research centre aiming to ‘shine a light’ on why young people develop mental health problems is set to open soon. The centre will research into new ways of reducing anxiety and depression as well as what causes these issues; parents, family, genetics, social media or environmental factors by tracking thousands of teenagers and adolescents.
Mental Health 50% Higher
In the UK, as much as one in eight young people have had experience with anxiety or depression which is 50 per cent higher than that of 20 years ago. Of over 3,000 young people surveyed, 44 per cent did not find the support offered by their school helpful and 56 per cent of young people do not feel confident approaching teachers or other staff in their school.
What can be done to help our next generation? Training must be given to teachers for students to feel comfortable to be able to talk to them; but before training is given, research must be completed to find all relevant information. The new Mental Health Centre is completely welcome in my eyes.