Strategies to Support Mental Health and Provide Access to Mental Health Services for Youth during Crises

Dear Colleagues,

According to the World Health Organization (2021)

• 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.
• Depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15–19-year-olds.
• 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.

During the pandemic, UNICEF conducted a rapid assessment among 8444 youth. The results show that 27% reported anxiety and 15% depression within the past 7 days of participating in the assessment, 46% were less motivated to do activities they enjoyed and 36% were less motivated to do chores. Even though participants felt the need to ask for help, 2 out 5 did not do so. While COVID-19 literature provides insight into how youth coped during the pandemic, based on the UNICEF study, it is not clear which evidence-based strategies are used to support youth or how they cope with other forms of crises such as problems with the family, in school, in work, unemployment, or in any other traumatic event. Notably, mental health is a crucial factor amongst youth with evidence mainly located in prevalence studies in terms of levels, determinants, risk and protective factors, etc. There is much less information regarding solutions, interventions or access to mental health support and shifting to mental well-being amongst youth.

For the proposed Special Issue, we welcome studies which focus on these aspects of mental health strategies amongst youth. Furthermore, we welcome various methodological approaches (quantitative, qualitative, mixed and reviews) to provide insight into the topic of evidence-based strategies to support the mental health of youth living in or experiencing a crisis or crises. The key findings will provide stakeholders (youth, government, families, practitioners) with insight into how to assist and provide access to support for youth to improve their mental health within and across various contexts.

Prof. Dr. Nicolette Vanessa Roman
Dr. Edna Rich
Guest Editors

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• youth
• adolescents
• young adults
• mental health
• mental well-being
• depression
• anxiety
• stress
• stakeholders
• families