Time to Change is working with parents, secondary schools and colleges to start vital discussions about mental health 

A recent survey of over 2,000 16 to 24 year-olds[1] conducted for mental health campaign Time to Change shows the alarming impact of mental health stigma on young people.

Of those with first-hand experience of a mental health problem:

• Over 1 in 4 (27%) said stigma, or fear of judgement, prevented them from attending school or college and nearly a fifth (18%) said they dropped out of education;
• 71% said it had affected their confidence, or self-esteem;
• over 2 in 5 (43%) said their grades suffered;
• and half (50%) said it stopped them socialising and seeing friends.

Statistics show that the majority of young people (73%) want to talk about the topic of mental health, even if they do not have a diagnosis, but say they can’t find the right words. Respondents identified several barriers which prevent them from speaking openly about the topic, including the pressure to live a ‘perfect life’ (41%), fear of judgement from friends (40%) and concerns it will affect their prospects at school, college, university or work (38%).

Time to Change says that these results show that mental health stigma continues to negatively impact every aspect of young people’s lives – in education settings and beyond into their social and work life. At such a crucial point in life, the damaging consequences might mean young people are entering adulthood with a lack of self-esteem, education and protective factors such as friends and support structure.

While Time to Change has seen a positive shift[2] in the way mental health problems are viewed in England, it’s apparent there’s still work to be done. These concerning statistics highlight the need for young people to feel more able to be open about mental health and supportive of their friends who might be struggling – Time to Change’s ‘In Your Corner’ campaign encourages just that. 

Launching next month, Time to Change resources will be available to all secondary schools and colleges across England. The free ‘In Your Corner’ themed pack has been designed to help teachers plan sessions which prompt important discussions in the classroom, demonstrating ways students can show they’re in their mate’s corner, and help parents to begin important discussions at home.

Encouragingly, the young people surveyed also highlighted the most helpful ways teachers, parents and peers could support them. These included making time to talk or spending time with them (64%), listening to them without judging (46%) and checking in to ask how they are (32%).

Time to Change have compiled a list of simple steps which all parents can take to approaching a discussion about mental health with their child:

• Ask Twice.
  A discussion, text or call goes a long way. A survey conducted for Time to Change[3] found that when asked, nearly nine in ten (88%) 16-24-year-olds would tell friends and family they are ‘fine’, even if struggling with a mental health problem. If you ask ‘how are you?’ and you’re not convinced by their response, remember to ‘Ask Twice’. 
   
• Find ways to talk about mental health that work for you. 
  ​If you have a friend or family member who has a mental health problem, talking about them might be a good way of starting a dialogue, or you could discuss celebrities who are talking about their mental health in the media.
   
• It can be easier to talk side-by-side, rather than face-to-face. 
  Talking when shopping, cooking or driving can take the pressure off – you don’t need to have a formal sit-down conversation. 
   
• Put experiences in context.
  We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. Mental wellbeing doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time, and mental health problems are common.
   
• ​Talk about your own mental health. 
  Being open about mental health shows your child it’s ok to be open too.

Amy Knight (20) from Sussex said: “I had un-diagnosed anxiety all throughout secondary school. When I tried speaking out about how I was feeling I was told it was just ‘hormones’ or ‘part of growing up’. I felt ashamed for not being able to cope with some things in the same way that my peers seemed to. 

“When I first heard the term ‘mental health problem’ in college I burst into tears, asking my teacher if that’s what had been affecting me all these years. I’m fortunate that my dad was supportive when I went to him with my concerns. If the discussion around mental health had started earlier, I wouldn’t have struggled for so long. 

“Now, training to be a teacher, I’m determined all children should be taught about mental health. Living with a mental health problem doesn’t make me any less capable - I don’t feel ashamed anymore, I feel proud to be me.”

Gary (59), Amy’s dad said: “I noticed Amy was becoming increasingly quiet and withdrawn. She spent a lot of time in her room and stopped doing things she used to enjoy, like taking part in after school clubs. Once she came to me with her concerns I started to talk about mental health during daily routines - when we were cooking or shopping – normalising the discussion. I made sure to ask Amy how she was feeling multiple times, showing her I really did want to know, as I know her concerns were often dismissed by others. I encouraged her to focus on the things she could do, and reassured her we’d seek support together.”

 Jo Loughran, Director of Time to Change, run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, said: “Since Time to Change began we’ve seen a positive shift in the way mental health problems are viewed. But these figures show that too many young people still face stigma and judgement from their peers, resulting in devastating consequences for their education and social lives.

“We must act now to ensure students get the best out of their childhood and limited time in education. We know that starting and managing discussions about mental health can seem daunting. That’s why we’ve developed these simple tips and resources. We’re offering young people the tools they need to support their friends throughout secondary school, college, and into their adult lives. 

“I’d urge families, secondary schools, colleges and students to visit the Time to Change website to find out more. Together we can help kick start discussions, helping this generation become more open to mental health than any before.”

For more tips and advice on how to start a discussion about mental health with your child, visit: www.time-to-change.org.uk/support-someone

Secondary schools and colleges can register for the free sessions, films and other materials at: www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/get-involved-schools/sign-in-your-corner. 

[1]Research conducted by Censuswide of 1010 16-24 year olds who have suffered from a mental health problem and 1000 16-24 year olds who have not suffered from a mental health issue, research conducted 20.08.2019 – 30.08.2019

[2]‘Our impact’ Time to Change: www.time-to-change.org.uk/home/about-us/our-impact

[3]Research conducted by Censuswide with a nationally representative sample of 2,012 general respondents between 10.08.2018 - 13.08.2018, of which 342 respondents were aged 16-24.