Two thirds of young people unable to cope, report finds

Almost two thirds of young people say they are unable to cope with their problems, a new study has revealed.

The report from the national centre for youth mental health, Headstrong, said only 38 per cent feel they can deal with the issues they face, while 36 per cent said they did not have an adult available to them to regularly discuss their problems.

Almost half of respondents - 47 per cent - said they had experienced some form of bullying. Additionally, 10 per cent said they had not sought help despite having serious problems.

Founding director of Headstrong Dr Tony Bates said a "radical rethink" of how young people in Ireland are supported was needed.

"Mental health is the single biggest issue for young people — we need to listen to what they are saying and provide them with the appropriate support and services to meet their needs," he said.

The report includes recommendations for new approaches to mental health, including Headstrong’s Jigsaw Programme, which is already in operation in Dublin and Galway. The approach is aimed at promoting services for oung people that are more accessible, youth-friendly and integrated.

Director of the Office of Disability and Mental Health at Department of Health Bairbre Nic Aongusa said the report provided "genuine grounds for optimism".

“We now have an opportunity as a country to change the way we respond to young people and their mental health by reducing the stigma and encouraging people to seek help early,” she said.

"It is clear that by reconfiguring our existing resources modestly, we can produce better outcomes for young people and their mental health in an environment where more adults will be willing to listen to young people’s concerns and fears and respond accordingly.”