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More women than men seeking mental health help

YOUNG women in Guernsey are struggling more with their mental health than men in the same age group, according to the latest report on Guernsey’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Twice the number of women were seen by Guernsey Mind compared to men, with the age range broadly from 25 to 55, although there were younger and older people.								 (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 34793592)
Twice the number of women were seen by Guernsey Mind compared to men, with the age range broadly from 25 to 55, although there were younger and older people. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 34793592) / Guernsey Press

While the 16-24-year-old age group has the lowest mental wellbeing, no young women in this group reported high wellbeing.

Work to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people is among the top priorities of the strategy and findings from past Young People’s Surveys and trends that have been highlighted by Education, Sport & Culture and Health & Social Care have reinforced the need for the sustained investment in early intervention and prevention.

‘By investing early, we give our young people the best chance of building resilience as they grow,’ it said.

Twice the number of women were seen by Guernsey Mind compared to men, with the age range broadly from 25 to 55, although there were younger and older people.

But chief executive Jo Cottell said the suicide trend has not changed.

‘This was not reflected in the suicide figures. If we look at the suicide statistics, they’re still showing the same, that it [is] predominantly men rather than women,’ she said.

‘We are highlighting issues with younger women these days. I don’t know if there are particular reasons, but we are seeing more young women coming through our doors.’

Across all ages she said the core problems being highlighted were things like the cost of living, work pressures and relationship pressures.

‘The world is a tough place to be in at the minute.’

Smartphone use among young people has become an area of special focus and this year will see an independent survey carried out to gather views from students, parents and staff across the Bailiwick.

An effort to find out more about the issues will be carried out this year when Public Health runs a Young People Survey.

This was previously done by Education and will be similar to the wellbeing survey carried out every five years but specifically aimed at young people in Years 6, 8 and 10.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said this will be carried out in the latter part of this year with the results then being analysed and probably available in the first half of next year.

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