Youth mental health in a digital world

Repost from my substack blog

On October 10th, 2024 I gave a public talk for World Mental Health day. I was delighted to present to a diverse audience about youth mental health, the challenges they face, and the role of digital technologies and social media. This topic is of great interest internationally and so my intention was to provide a nuanced and balanced overview of the topic.

We can’t ignore the real challenges in this space, though my optimism for the role of digital technologies to help us solve many of these problems inevitably comes through. Most of my work at the The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre focuses on how to leverage technology to come up with innovative solutions for health professionals, young people and their families.

Below I have provided a brief summary of the content covered in this talk, followed by the YouTube video of the full talk for those who have 45 minutes to spare.

It is my hope that through this work you manage to catch a glimpse into the possible future of mental health care that we are working to create.

The youth mental health crisis

In an era where approximately one in four people will experience mental illness in their lifetime, adolescence stands out as a critical period. This developmental stage, marked by profound brain changes and social transitions, is when most major mental health conditions first emerge. Recent data from Australia suggests a concerning trend: mental health outcomes are deteriorating, particularly among younger generations born in the 1980s and 1990s.

While many are quick to blame social media and technology for this decline, the reality is far more nuanced. Yes, there's compelling data showing correlations between increased social media use and rising rates of depression and suicide among teens. However, large-scale studies reveal a more complex picture. The impact of social media depends largely on how it's used: passive scrolling tends to correlate with mental health problems, while active engagement with real-life connections is often associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety.

Oversimplifying social media as the primary culprit risks missing the broader picture and could lead to counterproductive solutions. For instance, blanket restrictions on social media might drive young people to more harmful online environments or deprive them of valuable digital literacy skills. It's worth noting that 50% of young people with mental health challenges use social media as a substitute for professional support – suggesting an opportunity for positive engagement rather than wholesale restriction.

The truth is that mental health emerges from complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. Research shows that factors like bullying, lack of family support, and school-related stress have far greater impacts on adolescent mental health than social media use alone.

Modern research has moved away from single-cause theories—whether genetic, neurological, or experiential—toward a more nuanced understanding that mental health emerges from intricate interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. This complexity manifests in the diverse ways mental health issues present themselves: two young people diagnosed with depression might exhibit entirely different symptoms stemming from different causes.

Adding to this challenge is the stark reality of healthcare access—with only about half of those experiencing depression receiving any professional help, and even fewer receiving adequate care. The situation is particularly dire in low and middle-income countries. While traditional approaches often involve significant trial and error in treatment, emerging technologies offer promising new avenues for addressing these longstanding challenges in youth mental health care.

The digital world and new opportunities

The increasingly digital world we now live in isn't just part of the challenge – it's also opening up unprecedented opportunities for understanding and treating mental health issues.

Digital phenotyping, which involves using smartphone and wearable device data to track behavior and experiences in real-time, is transforming our ability to understand mental health in real-world contexts. For instance, we can now detect patterns in depression and anxiety through metrics like location data, phone usage, and sleep patterns.

This technological advancement enables more personalised and timely interventions. Imagine a system that can detect irregular sleep patterns and low activity affecting someone's mood, then recommend specific physical activities and sleep schedules. Or consider how geolocation and social interaction data might help address loneliness by suggesting mindful walks with friends.

The impact on traditional mental healthcare delivery is equally revolutionary. Digital platforms (like Innowell) are helping reduce wait times for psychological care by up to 60% and enabling faster responses to critical situations like suicidal ideation. Artificial Intelligence is being employed to learn individual patterns of mental health symptoms over time, allowing for more proactive and personalised care decisions.

Our work with young people shows that they feel more empowered in their therapeutic journey when using these technologies, citing improved communication with clinicians and better preparation for sessions. The digital transformation is also breaking down traditional barriers to access with lower costs for effective psychological interventions, while telehealth connects rural areas to mental health professionals. Anonymous online platforms are helping reach stigmatised populations, and the 24/7 accessibility of technology allows us to provide support during the crucial hours when people are in need.

The future of youth mental health care

The future of mental health care lies in integrating these digital innovations with traditional healthcare approaches. This doesn't mean replacing humans with technology, but rather leveraging digital tools to identify issues earlier, engage people in quality care sooner, and provide continuous, adaptive support based on changing needs.

Though, this digital revolution must be approached thoughtfully. We need to focus on building safer, smarter solutions that empower rather than harm. This requires collaboration between industry, governments, healthcare providers, and those with lived experience of mental health challenges.

As we navigate this complex landscape, we should remember that the very technological progress that presents challenges also offers solutions. From AI-powered analytics to virtual reality therapy, we have more tools than ever to understand and support mental health. The key lies not in retreating from technological progress, but in harnessing it to create a future where digital innovation enhances rather than hinders mental well-being.

Our task is to embrace these opportunities while ensuring that our solutions truly serve the needs of young people in an increasingly digital world.

If you are interested in hearing more about this work, the full talk can be viewed below.