The Importance Of Connecting With Our Youths

How often have you thought about the mentors or people who helped shape you into the person you are today?

It might have been one single conversation or regular friendly advice from someone older than you.

Or a family member who checked in regularly and always cared about your wellbeing.

Sometimes, it’s only in hindsight that you recognise the people who have had a big influence on your life.

I was thinking about how, as adults, we sometimes forget the impact a caring conversation can have on a younger person, whether it's in your personal or professional life.

New research from youth mental health organisation, Reach Out is giving new insights into what young people are worried about. We know the proportion of young people with mental health difficulties has almost doubled since 2007.

According to the new report, worries about the future, study and money were the most prevalent issues for 16 - 25 year olds.

And the levels of distress were significantly enough to erode their day to day wellbeing.

As the mother of four sons around this age, the results were concerning. I wanted to see what young people thought would help to alleviate their stress.

And their needs were pretty simple:

Someone to talk to (69%), quality information (56%) and professional mental health support (48%).

In fact, young people reported that having a trusted listener was a key support to help them cope.

But one third of the young people interviewed said they rarely or never felt close to other people.

That left me feeling heart-broken - that so many young people felt so isolated.

Many teenagers and young adults appear confident, like they have their sh*t together. And as a result, we think they might not need or want someone asking how they are, or what’s happening in their life. Or that they are seeking closer connection with adults.

But this report suggests otherwise.

The young adults said they looked for opportunities to spend time with family and loved ones, and for better and more meaningful relationships.

Many young people in this study felt ‘lost’ and wanted guidance and mentoring to make decisions about their future pathways.

I thought about the people in my own life who had been influential when I was young - my history teacher for example, guiding me to studying history.

I have mentored some young people (apart from my children) and found it so rewarding.

Studies show the quality of your relationships is the biggest predictor of your emotional well-being.

The Harvard University study followed families for generations and found a sense of connection and strong relationships had the biggest impact on life satisfaction.

Is there someone in your life who made a difference to helping you become the person you are today? Could you be that person for someone younger?

If every person reading this takes the step to connect in a meaningful way with a young person, imagine the difference it could make.

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I love getting feedback from readers so let me know your thoughts.

Take care, Soph x