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 is such an important conversation—empowering young people through prevention and education truly shapes healthier, more confident futures. I love seeing initiatives that focus on proactive support rather than reactive responses. It reminds me of how communities, even those in places like Edisto Beach, thrive when we invest in guidance and wellbeing early on.
Creating safe spaces—whether in schools, online platforms, or even through supportive environments like Beach vacation rentals—helps young people feel grounded, connected, and valued. Thanks for sharing such a meaningful message and continuing to push this vital work forward!
Such an important message about empowering young people through education and early intervention. Prioritising prevention truly creates stronger, healthier communities. It also reminds me how essential it is across all industries to invest in solutions that protect future generations—whether it’s mental well-being or environmental responsibility. Innovations like Marine soundproofing and Marine Noise Insulation are great examples of how proactive approaches can reduce harm and create safer, more sustainable environments for everyone.