Youth Mental Health: What we need to do better

Organised by the North London NHS Foundation Trust, the event brought together a diverse group of attendees, including clinicians, support workers, community members, and policymakers, all eager to explore the challenges and solutions in the field of child and adolescent mental health.

Insights from a Global Expert

Professor Stringaris’ talk Youth Mental Health: What are we doing and what can we do better, highlighted several crucial themes that are shaping the field today.

Key Themes Addressed

• The global context of youth mental mealth: Mental health conditions are now the leading cause of disability among young people globally, according to the World Health Organisation. Professor Stringaris stressed that these conditions are often chronic, beginning early in life, and may ultimately lead to severe outcomes, including suicide. Early intervention and long-term support were identified as critical to reducing these risks.
• Social and family influences: The talk examined how family dynamics, income stability, the home environment (e.g. domestic violence) and trauma play a significant role in youth mental health. Professor Stringaris emphasised the need for systemic support to strengthen family environments for better mental health outcomes.
• Genetic and environmental factors: Highlighting the complex relationship between genetics and the environment, the talk explored how genetic factors—such as the 70–80% genetic influence on conditions like ADHD—interact with life experiences, shaping a young person’s mental health trajectory.

Community engagement and future events

Attendees were encouraged to engage with North London NHS Foundation Trust by becoming members. Membership provides a unique opportunity to influence and shape the future of mental health services across North Central London.

To learn more or sign up, visit the North London NHS Foundation Trust Membership Page.