JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Young people experience high rates of mental health problems but make poor use of the formal services available to them. As youth are high internet users, there may be untapped potential to use online messages to encourage young people to make better use of their local mental health services.

Objective:

This research aimed to identify what kinds of online messages young people identified as more likely to prompt youth engagement with mental health services.

Methods:

This research used a qualitative design conducted within a social constructionist epistemology that recognised the importance of youth empowerment in mental health. Digital interviews using WhatsApp instant messenger were conducted with 37 young people aged 16-23 years. The data was analysed thematically to identify the kinds of online messages participants believed would encourage young people to reach out to a mental health service for support.

Results:

The results indicate messages should provide young people with transparent information about relevant mental health services and make use of the various modes of communication to give young people greater insight into how these actually work. The research also indicates that young people might require messages that challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and highlight the value of mental health services. Finally, young people are more likely to respond to ‘relatable’ stories of using mental health services in the context of a personal connection with someone they trust.

Conclusions:

This research highlights the potential of the internet to improve young people’s use of mental health services. It offers recommendations for professionals and service providers on how to better engage young people with mental health support using online resources.