Deflection Nation: New research Reveals The Extent To Which Young People Avoid Talking About Their Mental Health, Despite Needing To
Grand Armour: Mental health charity 50808 launches #GetPastGrand campaign as 44% of young people rarely or never talk about their mental health or well-being.
50808 is a first of its kind for Ireland: a free 24/7 anonymous text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support during a mental health or personal challenge, and connecting people to resources that can help them into the future. 50808 is funded by the HSE.
Text HELLO to 50808 to start a conversation.
Research by 50808, the free 24/7 anonymous text service funded by the HSE, reveals that a majority of young people are not openly talking about their mental health despite a huge increase in awareness of mental health over recent years.
In a bid to deflect from conversations about how they’re really feeling, 90% of young people cover up their mental health struggles by using casual terms such as “Grand”, “Fine”, “OK” or “Alright” when asked how they’re feeling, but actually they felt worse than they let on.
Specifically, half of all (54%) young people use the phrase “I’m grand” to shut down enquiries about their well-being despite wanting or needing to talk about how they feel.
The survey of 1,803 young people in Ireland aged 16-34 found that:
44% of young people rarely or never talk about their mental health or well-being with friends and family.
Almost half (47%) of young people are unlikely or very unlikely to reach out for support from others when they are feeling unhappy or stressed.
1 in 2 respondents (55%) said they find it difficult to talk about how they feel even though they want to.
90% of young people regularly respond to the question ‘How are you doing?’ with either “Grand”, “Fine”, “OK” or “Alright” despite feeling worse than the word they used.
68% of young people said they would feel better if they had more opportunities to talk about how they are feeling with the people in their lives.
On foot of the findings, 50808 is launching a campaign to empower young people with tips to #GetPastGrand and have more honest and open conversations about their mental health.
Ian Power, CEO of 50808, said:
“You might be forgiven for thinking that all young people are open to talking about how we’re feeling, but this research shows that we are still not very comfortable talking about our mental health.
At 50808, we know that talking about how we’re feeling is key to good mental health, but it’s really important we feel validated and heard when we do open up.
This #GetPastGrand campaign aims to give everyone the tools and the confidence to get through the “I’m Grand” deflection barrier and help their friends and family to open up and talk, and to provide that much needed validation of feelings and experiences.
Texters to 50808 often tell us they don’t open up to friends or family because they don’t want to burden them, or they’re worried people will want to try to fix the problems instead of truly listening to what’s going on for them.”
He added some of the campaign’s tips on listening well :
Simply giving someone the space to talk can take a weight off their shoulders, and help make them feel better. This means giving them uninterrupted time to talk about their concerns.
Pay close attention to what they are saying and keep eye contact.
If they are finding it difficult to talk, let them know that you are there for them and that you want to help.
Simply saying something like ‘I know this is difficult to talk about, but thank you for trusting me’ will put the person at ease.
To launch the campaign, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, TD said:
"We know that opening up to others and sharing our mental health challenges and experiences is vital to enhancing our mental wellbeing.
This is particularly important in the context of the Covid 19 pandemic, which has placed a considerable strain on the mental health of many of us, especially our younger population.
In response to these challenges, a broad range of supports, such as the free 50808 text service have been enhanced to address existing and emerging mental health needs.
I recognise the immense value of creating spaces where all individuals, including our younger people can share how they are feeling without fear of judgement and know that they will be listened to and supported.
I proudly support the 50808 #GetPastGrand campaign, which encourages and empowers young people, by providing them with the necessary tools, to speak more openly about their mental health.
So, if you are struggling, please reach out and ask for help. Talk to your family and friends, or text 50808 to start a conversation and access support 24/7, at any time of the day or night.’’
