Prioritising prevention: empowering and educating young people.
- Claire Libby
- Feb 12, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2022
Prioritising prevention: empowering and educating young people to take a proactive approach to mental health.
Article featured in the WellBook Guide: The Resilience Issue
By Claire Libby, Founder of i am me
It may surprise you that 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14, and consider this statistic to be on the conservative side given that many young people may not realise they are suffering with a mental illness. So, how in a society that prioritises cure over prevention, do we make a shift in these statistics?
It’s a tough question to answer. Waiting times for mental health support vary throughout the country, with some having to wait months. We know from our research that this ‘waiting’ time can cause young people to turn to more harmful ways of coping. Imagine finally having the courage to ask for help, and then being told to wait it out for 3 months. It’s clear that nationally, the system that is there to support our young people, can’t cope with the demand being placed upon it.
We must stop ‘putting a plaster’ over mental health.
That’s why I truly believe the next generation must be empowered and educated to successfully support and proactively look after their own mental health, rather than reactively firefighting...
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This article makes such a compelling case for shifting our society's focus from "firefighting" to a truly proactive approach to mental health. The statistic that half of mental health issues are established by age 14 is a powerful reminder of why early education and empowerment are so essential. By giving young people the tools to understand and support their own well-being before a crisis occurs, we aren't just putting on a "plaster"—we're building long-term resilience.
The journey toward self-awareness and empowerment often reminds me of the deep, unfolding paths taken by characters in a great Book series. Much like the themes of growth and finding one's strength explored in the Black Angel, this piece highlights how transformative it is when…
The post highlights how prevention and education can help young people manage mental health before issues grow, which felt very important. It mentions that about 50% of mental health problems are established by age 14, showing why early awareness matters. I remember balancing studies during a stressful time, and I used the Engineering Dissertation Writing Service UK while trying to stay focused. The message about empowering youth early really shows how proactive support can build stronger well-being.
It is so important to emphasize how education and proactive support can truly empower the next generation to navigate life’s challenges with more confidence. When we provide young people with the right tools and information early on, we create a foundation for long-term success and resilience. Just as education is key to personal growth, visibility is key for community growth; for example, utilizing a free business listing for black owned business can provide much-needed resources and professional connections. Encouraging a Business directory submission for black owned business is another practical step toward building an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and be seen. Thank you for sharing such an impactful piece on the power of prevention!
This article makes a compelling point about the necessity of shifting our focus from "firefighting" to a proactive approach in mental health. Empowering young people with the right tools before they reach a crisis point is such a vital investment in their future resilience and overall well-being.
Taking a preventative stance on health shouldn't be limited to just mental wellness; it's a philosophy that works across all aspects of life. For instance, being consistent with a scalp care routine or scheduling a regular High Frequency Facial are simple but effective ways to practice that same proactive self-maintenance. When we prioritize these small acts of prevention, we’re much better equipped to handle whatever life throws at us. Thanks for sharing this important message!