Many mental health issues begin before the age of 25. The general practitioner is often the first point of contact for young people experiencing mental health complaints. However, only a portion of them receive appropriate help. In the Netherlands, around 30% of young people with mental health complaints receive the right support. At the same time, many young people are placed on waiting lists or don’t really know where to turn for help.
Maastricht University studied how peer support (support from young people who have their own experience with mental health challenges) can better align with general practice care. The research looked at the needs of young people, the core principles of peer support, and collaboration with general practitioners.
How was the research done?
For this study, the researchers spoke with young people experiencing mental health complaints, peer support workers, and primary care professionals such as general practitioners and mental health practice nurses (POH-GGZ). In semi-structured interviews, they shared their experiences and perspectives on support for mental health issues. The researchers then thematically analyzed these conversations and compared the insights from the three groups.
Four central needs emerged from the interviews:
1. Young people need knowledge and direction.
The interviews revealed several recurring needs among young people. First and foremost, they highlight the importance of knowledge and a sense of control. Young people want clear information about the available support options and often expect their GP to actively inform them about what is possible, including peer support.
At the same time, they want to be able to make their own choices and maintain control over their treatment and what happens to their personal information.
2. Recognition that struggles are part of normal development
In addition, young people want their complaints to be viewed in the context of their age and stage of life. Stigma and the feeling of not being taken seriously frequently pose an obstacle in this regard.
3. Young people want an equal relationship
A third important theme is recognition and belonging. Contact with someone who has had similar experiences can provide a sense of recognition and validation. Young people emphasize the importance of equality and a relationship without hierarchy.
4. Empathy and active listening are essential
Finally, connection plays an important role. Young people mention empathy, active listening, and genuine attention as essential elements of good support. According to them, peer support can be a valuable addition when their own social network does not provide enough support.
What is the core of peer support?
All groups describe peer support as accessible and informal. Key features include confidentiality, no focus on diagnosis, and accessibility without a referral.
There are differences in how experiential knowledge is emphasized. Young people find shared emotional experiences important. Peer support workers see personal experience as helpful, but not always necessary. Professionals more often view experiential knowledge as a requirement. Training and supervision are considered important by all groups.
Collaboration with the GP
All stakeholders see peer support as a complement to existing care. For effective collaboration, clear referral pathways, well-defined roles, good communication, and agreements about confidentiality are needed.
The researchers conclude that peer support can be a valuable addition within general practice care, provided that the collaboration is well organized. To address the five questions GPs most frequently ask about @ease, five short videos have been created.
Curious about all the results?
Read the full scientific article titled “Bridging peer support and primary care in youth mental health: stakeholder perspectives on needs, key elements and integration challenges” here.
Do you have any questions about @ease or our methodology? Feel free to contact us; we’d be happy to tell you more.