early intervention

Question 1

What are the key vulnerability statistics for youth mental health?

Answer 1

• Females 16-24 are 3x more likely to experience mental illness than males
  Growing up in poverty increases mental illness risk by 3x
  Adverse childhood experiences significantly increase long-term mental illness risk⁠

Question 2

What are the long-term consequences of youth mental illness?

Answer 2

• Increased risks of substance abuse, educational struggles, violence, poor sexual health
  Higher likelihood of becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training)
  NEET status leads to social exclusion, economic disadvantage, and poorer psychological outcomes⁠

Question 3

What are the main challenges in transitioning to adult mental health services?

Answer 3

• Only 4% experience optimum transitions
  Adult services have long waiting lists (up to 6 months)
  Two-thirds of unwell youth don’t get referred to adult services⁠

Question 4

What prevents young people from engaging with mental health services?

Answer 4

• Young adults least likely to start treatment after referral
  Rigid service structures discourage participation
  Poor CAMHS experiences deter further care-seeking
  Stigma from family, peers, and public⁠

Question 5

What successful international models exist for early support?

Answer 5

• Headspace (Australia): Shows significant improvements in distress, functioning, and quality of life
  Jigsaw (Ireland): Achieves reductions in distress and improvements in wellbeing
  UK: DHSC funded 24 hubs with £8 million for 12-month pilot starting April 2024