Talking is key for mental health issues

Prevention is key with one in six young people suffering from common mental illnesses and finding it difficult to get the help they need, a leading psychologist said yesterday.

“Adolescence and early adulthood are peak times for the onset of stress, distress and mental health issues,” said Margaret O’Rourke, a clinical psychologist and member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.

“At any one time, one in six young adults aged 16 to 24, will have a common mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression that meets the threshold for a clinical diagnosis.”