By London YPAG,
The event ‘Know Yourself: Adolescents Asking Experts About Mental Health’ was held on Tuesday, 4th February 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30pm.
GOSH YPAG member Juliette marked Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week by participating in a panel and interviewing researchers.
Children’s Mental Health Week (3- 9 February) offers an important moment in time for us to reflect on the importance of considering the mental health of our patients, their families and carers and creates an opportunity for us to better understand what we can do to support them.
As part of the week’s activities GOSH YPAG member Juliette was sat as a panel member of adolescents with the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Projects team at UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences at their event in the Kennedy Lecture Theatre at UCL GOS ICH.
Juliette joined a panel of adolescents to co-create the event by developing questions during two pre-event meetings (one planning session and a mock run) and interviewed academics at the event.
Read on to hear more from Juliette and Patrizia one of the organisers on this fantastic collaboration and the key feedback they both have on the experience.
Over to JulietteDespite increased discourse around mental health, there are many aspects- such as the devastating reality of OCD, psychosis, loneliness, and substance-use disorders- that remain taboo. I find that, too often, mental health difficulties are aestheticised, reducing complex, painful realities to a sanitised, camera-ready version.
I joined this panel because I recognised the need for candid, scientifically-grounded discussion that not only speaks to the true challenges that young people face today, but highlights the progress being made through research and intervention.
In preparation for the event, the young person panel took part in two meetings- the first among us and then with the researchers too. This staggered introduction made the process feel manageable and clear- we knew what we were doing and who we could go to if we had any questions. From the very beginning, we were involved in shaping the event– we felt like a valuable part of the process, rather than additions reading from a pre-written script. Throughout, we were encouraged to share our ideas- using online mind maps & the chat function (making it more accessible for all communication styles) and keeping cameras on to foster engagement & a feeling of familiarity. The organisers were incredibly accommodating, ensuring a positive environment that considered each of our needs and understanding how external commitments could add to our workload.
The event sparked many interesting debates and deeper thinking; with the impact of mental health difficulties on loved ones, and the relationship between mental illness and social media being two areas that stood out for me. From this, not only did I gain knowledge (like did you know that learning about others’ coping mechanisms can impact how we deal with negative emotion & self harm?), but I also gained an insight into what psychiatric research entails, what might be on the horizon, and the impact of discussing this research.
Do it. Even if you don’t quite know what you’re getting yourself into; if there’s some element that interests you, if it’s associated with a field you’re passionate about, if there’s a chance to gain an insight into a career you’re thinking about, stop procrastinating, send off that email, and get involved. Deirdre is constantly putting out info about incredible opportunities- there’s guaranteed to be something you’re interested in.
Just a huge thank you to everyone who hosted the event, and I’m looking forward to any more opportunities that come our way!
Over to PatriziaOne of the biggest takeaways was how insightful and engaged young people are when given the platform to shape discussions on issues that matter to them. Their questions were thoughtful and often challenged assumptions, showing a nuanced understanding of mental health. Another key learning was the importance of creating a format that allows for genuine exchange—ensuring young people feel empowered to ask challenging questions while academics respond in a way that is accessible and meaningful. Finally, working closely with young people throughout the process reinforced how crucial it is to centre their voices not just in the event itself, but in the design and dissemination of the research too.
The young people’s panel explored a wide range of issues, from stigma to service accessibility. One key question was how stigma around mental health has changed over time and whether certain conditions remain more stigmatised than others. Academics discussed how awareness campaigns and open conversations have reduced stigma in some areas, but conducting research on conditions such as disruptive behaviour disorders remains challenging, largely due to stigma. Moreover, conditions such as developmental language disorder are often overlooked by research and services, despite posing significant challenges to young people.
Another thought-provoking question focused on whether learning about a mental health condition can increase the likelihood of experiencing it. Researchers highlighted that while mental health awareness is crucial, messaging needs to be carefully framed to distinguish between psychological distress and clinically significant psychopathology. While it is essential that anyone experiencing distress is given the opportunity to seek support and receive an appropriate level of care, misinterpretation can sometimes lead to increased ‘self-diagnosing,’ which may inadvertently divert resources from those with severe difficulties.
Young people are the experts in their own experiences, and their perspectives are essential in ensuring that research, policy, and practice remain relevant and impactful. Involving them in events like this not only makes discussions more meaningful but also challenges academics to communicate their work in a way that resonates beyond academic circles. It promotes genuine dialogue rather than a one-sided knowledge exchange, ensuring that research is guided by the real needs and concerns of the people it aims to serve.
Shout Out For Youth Mental Health Mia, a member of the Network’s Young Persons’ Steering Group writes: On Tuesday 7 June, five of us from the Group were lucky enough to attend the ‘Shout Out For Youth Mental Health’ conference day in Birmingham. There were many inspirational speakers that we heard from, who had come […]
In this short video, Nottingham YPAG member Sheena talks about why she wants to get involved in research.
This exercise develops knowledge of different types of research and related terminology. The task requires young people to match a phrase with its definition.
