Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 9 May 2023
Joint Committee On Health
Life Cycle Approach to Mental Health: Discussion (Resumed)
Mr. Declan Whelan-Curtin:
Could I just add to that? We are focusing a little bit here on triggers and things to avoid but there is a whole body of evidence to support things that young people can do to stay well and to protect their mental health. One of the things that is key and really universal is connectedness and belonging, whether that is online or in a physical environment like a campus, school or workplace. That is something that can be developed and can be really protective for young people. We need to focus not only things that we want young people to avoid that may be harmful to their mental health but also on things that we can promote that may protect them and keep them well.