More and more young people are opting to seek mental health support online rather than face to face or over the phone.
Over the first five years of operation in Ireland ReachOut.com, Ireland’s online youth mental health service, found that 62% of young people would visit a website for support when going through a tough time.
Young people are most likely to look for support online, and favour online support as highly as speaking to a friend, it is a first port of call over talking to a health professional (38%), calling a helpline (14%) or speaking to a parent or guardian (28%). These figures have been released as part of ReachOut’s five year review.
ReachOut CEO Elaine Geraghty commented on the findings. “This highlights the importance of providing a comprehensive and trusted support hub online for young people to turn to when they need it.”
To discuss the increasingly large role that technology plays in daily lives and in health ReachOut will be hosting their fourth annual ‘Technology for Wellbeing’ Conference on Wednesday 14th September, in the Marker Hotel Dublin.
The conference provides a place for people to explore and discuss technology and the growing role it plays in mental health. The conference is attended by a broad mix of people from policy makers, to health managers, researchers, media, students and the technology sector.
Already confirmed to speak at the conference is Jono Nicholas, CEO ReachOut Australia, Avril Ronan from Trend Micro who will speak about Internet Safety and Colman Noctor, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist from St. Patrick’s Hospital will talk about effects of contemporary media on mental health.
Young people are reminded they can turn to ReachOut from anywhere and at any time, for peer support and to learn more about what they’re going through visit ReachOut.com.