Milken Institute’s Post

Reflecting on International Youth Day: Addressing Mental Health Challenges Two days ago, we celebrated International Youth Day—a perfect moment to reflect on the pressing issues affecting our young people today, particularly their mental health. Recent statistics reveal an alarming rise in mental health concerns among youth globally. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 6 adolescents aged 10-19 years experiences mental health issues. The challenges are multifaceted, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression exacerbated by factors like academic pressure, social media influence, and the recent global health crises. Despite these challenges, there are significant opportunities for improvement. Initiatives like community-based mental health programs, increased access to counseling services, and integration of mental health education into school curricula can make a profound difference. As we strive for progress, it's crucial to foster open dialogues about mental health, support youth-focused interventions, and build resilient communities that prioritize well-being. Let’s use International Youth Day as a reminder of our collective responsibility to support and uplift our youth. Together, we can create an environment where every young person has access to the mental health resources they need to thrive. #InternationalYouthDay #MentalHealth #YouthEmpowerment #Wellbeing #CommunitySupport

Urgent Call: Addressing the Crisis in Youth Mental Health 🗣️🧠 Have you ever considered how cultural background impacts youth mental health? 🌍 Black and ethnic minority youth in the UK are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, yet they are less likely to receive treatment according to Young Minds. This is a crisis that requires our attention. Statistics: 📊 Black and ethnic minority youth are less likely to receive mental health support. 📈 Higher rates of mental health issues among these groups due to cultural stigma and lack of representation. Barriers to Access: Cultural stigma around mental health Lack of representation in mental health services Language barriers Tips for Supporting Youth Mental Health: 🏫 Schools should provide culturally competent mental health education. 👨👩👧 Families need to have open conversations about mental health. 🏥 Communities should advocate for more inclusive mental health services. Why It Matters: Addressing these barriers can ensure that every young person has the resources and support to thrive. How We Help: At Bempong Talking Therapy, we offer AI-augmented, culturally conscious therapy tailored for youth. Our approach ensures that young people receive care that resonates with their personal and cultural identity. Let's break the stigma and promote understanding. If you or someone you know is experiencing these issues, seek help. Book a session. For more insights, subscribe to my newsletter: Empowerment Through Insight. 📧 #YouthMentalHealth #CulturalCompetence #Intersectionality #BempongTalkingTherapy

🌍 On this #WorldMentalHealthDay, let’s spotlight adolescent mental health. At #ZanaAfrica, we’re committed to supporting the mental health of young people through everything we do—from offering #trauma-informed health and life skills education to creating engaging health comics and providing access to safe, real-time resources for support. Mental health is the foundation of well-being, shaping academic performance, decision-making, and future potential. In Kenya, 40% of adolescents faced a mental health issue last year, with girls facing additional barriers like period poverty and gender-based violence. By equipping them with the right tools, we empower them to break cycles of poverty and thrive. 🧠 Let’s prioritize adolescent mental health today and every day—for a brighter, more equitable future. #MentalHealthMatters #ZanaAfrica #WorldMentalHealthDay

International Youth Day: Mental Health Matters! Two days ago, we celebrated International Youth Day, a reminder of the incredible potential of young people around the world and the unique challenges they face. Recent statistics highlight a concerning trend: nearly **1 in 5 young people** experience mental health issues, with conditions like anxiety and depression becoming increasingly prevalent. This is exacerbated by factors such as social media pressure, academic stress, and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, amidst these challenges, there are also significant opportunities to improve mental health outcomes for our youth. Initiatives focusing on mental health education, access to counseling, and community support systems can empower young people to seek help and promote resilience. As we continue to advocate for mental health awareness, let’s work together to create an environment where young voices are heard, and mental well-being is prioritized. #InternationalYouthDay #MentalHealthMatters #YouthEmpowerment #MentalHealthAwareness #MindverseUganda

🎯 New Funding Opportunity for Youth Mental Health The Being Initiative is currently offering funding to support innovative strategies that address the early drivers of mental health and well-being for underserved youth aged 10 to 24. This opportunity is aimed at organizations ready to implement solutions that can make a substantial difference in the lives of young people in 12 priority countries. Objectives: ✅ To improve mental well-being and resilience. ✅ To enhance understanding and diminish the stigma associated with mental health issues. ✅ To integrate mental health solutions into existing educational and social frameworks. Priority Countries Include: 🌍Colombia, Ecuador, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Morocco, Pakistan, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Vietnam. For more detailed information and to access the application process, read our article on Solvere website. 👇 #YouthMentalHealth #GlobalHealth #MentalHealthInnovation #FundingOpportunity

Recent studies have highlighted the concerning mental health trends among African youth, indicating a rising prevalence of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse (Thipiga Sivayoganathan, G. Reid, p. 464-473). Factors contributing to this trend include socioeconomic disparities, high levels of stress, and limited access to mental health services. Additionally, cultural stigmas surrounding mental health further inhibit youth from seeking the necessary support and treatment (Thipiga Sivayoganathan, G. Reid, p. 464-473). In response to these challenges, the Youth Initiative Development Programme Summit 2024 aims to address the specific mental health needs of African youth by promoting innovative solutions and fostering dialogue on youth mental health tech. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, the summit endeavors to improve the mental well-being of African youth and empower them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Secure your ticket here https://lnkd.in/dkkWNwQh #mentalhealth #YIDPSummit2024

Rangatahi and youth are navigating unique challenges, unknown to previous generations. They're also experiencing the highest rates of unmet need for help. The Kua Tīmata Te Haerenga Report warns that investment in mental health services for children and young people is lagging behind investment in other parts of the system. Wait times to access specialist child and adolescent mental health services are significantly higher than wait times for adult services, with those aged under 24 often expected to simply fit into services designed not for them, but for adults. The proportion of our young people aged 15 to 24 who experience psychological distress has risen steadily over the last five years, and is now 21.2%. We agree that urgent investment is needed, to provide effective and accessible community services for our rangatahi and youth. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gaS7TX7M and on our website here: https://lnkd.in/g-22DBPD #mentalhealthnz #changingmindsnz #mentalhealth #wellbeing

#Mental Health Conversations in Schools! As part of my Mental Health Conversations content in schools for both students and Teachers, I have learnt to monitor relevant data around the young people. Here are some Key facts you need to be aware of. 1. Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group. 2. Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. 3. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds. 4. The consequences of failing to address adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.( WHO). My Plea: Remember to 1. Spend time with your child - bonding/ fun time 2. Normalize Mental Health conversations at home 3. Protect them from harm, exposures and conversations that may be too weighty for their delicate hearts 💕. 4. Normalize seeking help from professionals for you & them. BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT RAISING A STRONG HEALTHY GENERATION OF LEADERS! #HOLISTICWELLNESS2024 World Health Organization The World Bank Ministry of Health, Kenya Ababu Namwamba E.G.H Gladys Mugambi Ministry Of Education, Kenya (MOE) @Dr. Gladys Malonza SHE Awards

🚨 Important News! 🚨 ROX's groundbreaking research on the state of girls' mental health has been featured in a powerful Forbes article by Tracy Brower, PhD 📰🌟 The article, titled "The Devastating Decline In Girls' Mental Health: 7 Ways You Can Help," highlights the alarming findings from our survey of 17,502 girls. It sheds light on the critical issues girls face today, including a lack of confidence, reluctance to speak up, uncertainty about career options, a fixed mindset, and high levels of stress. We are thrilled that our research is gaining national attention and sparking important conversations about the urgent need to support girls' mental health. By bringing these issues to the forefront, we can work together to create positive change and empower girls to thrive. I encourage you to read the full Forbes article and learn more about ROX's mission to understand and address the challenges girls face. Together, we can make a difference! 🌍 https://lnkd.in/eHfvk-gH

With the staggering statistics around mental health issues amongst teens (14% of 4 to 17 year olds experience a mental health problem each year, amounting to 560,000 Australian children and adolescents, with 278,000 and 112,000 experiencing anxiety and depression disorders), this is critical research by Torrens University Australia. The recommendations call for all of us - but specifically education and health systems to be #lighthouses for teens, reducing the stigma, improving access and making it ok to not be ok and to seek help. Some recommendations in a nutshell: * Implementing programs in schools to teach coping skills and, emotional regulation * Promoting physical activity and exercise, which can improve mood and reduce stress. * Mindfulness training to build resilience and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and limiting screen time. * Creating supportive and inclusive school environments where students feel accepted, valued and connected to their peers and teachers, irrespective of their gender, race or ethnicity. * Better access to mental health education and resources * Promoting community involvement and volunteer opportunities ReachOut Australia headspace Dr Justin Coulson Rebecca Sparrow NSW Department of Education Independent Schools Australia Black Dog Institute Healthdirect Australia NSW Health Beyond Blue Raising Children Network SANE Kerry London FCIOB Lisa Casanelia Fahad Hanna Hirukshi Bennett