Election 2023: Will NZ's Future Leaders Prioritise Youth Mental Well-being?

Valerie A. Sotardi, PhD

As New Zealanders gear up for an upcoming election, there's a pressing issue that demands attention: the mental health of our young people, particularly those aged 16-25. This age group, teetering on the brink of adulthood, faces unique challenges, fears, and stressors that can have lasting impacts on their mental well-being. It's time our politicians recognise the gravity of this issue and prioritise it in the election dialogue.

Why Youth Mental Health Matters

1. The Vulnerability of Transition: The age bracket of 16-25 is a tumultuous period. From academic pressures to the onset of adult responsibilities, young New Zealanders are navigating a sea of change. This transition can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

2. The Future of Our Nation: Today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. Their mental well-being directly correlates with the country’s future prosperity and progress. Ignoring their mental health now can lead to long-term societal and economic repercussions.

3. Rising Rates of Mental Health Issues: Recent studies have shown an alarming increase in mental health issues among young New Zealanders (Sutcliffe et al., 2023). This trend cannot be overlooked. Immediate action and intervention are crucial.

Challenges in Mental Health Delivery and Education

1. Inadequate Services: Despite the rising need, New Zealand faces a shortage of quality mental health services tailored for young people. Long waiting times, lack of specialised care, and limited accessibility in rural areas are just a few of the challenges.

2. Stigma and Lack of Awareness: Mental health is still shrouded in stigma. Many young individuals hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment. Moreover, there's a glaring lack of mental health education in teaching programmes, schools, and communities, often leading to misconceptions and ignorance.

3. Financial Constraints: Quality mental health care often comes at a price. Many young New Zealanders, especially those from low-income families, find it challenging to access the necessary support due to financial barriers (Kulshrestha & Shahid, 2022).

Topics for Election Discussions

1. Increased Funding for Youth Mental Health Services: Politicians must pledge to allocate more funds to develop and enhance effective mental health services specifically designed for rangatahi.

2. Mental Health Education in Schools: Introducing comprehensive mental health education in teacher training and in the New Zealand curriculum can equip students with the knowledge and tools to navigate their mental well-being. It can also play a pivotal role in breaking the stigma.

3. Training and Recruitment: There's an urgent need to train and recruit more mental health professionals who specialise in youth mental health. This can ensure timely and effective intervention.

4. Accessible and Affordable Care: Mental health support should not be a luxury. Efforts must be made to make these services accessible to all, irrespective of their financial background.

5. Community Outreach Programmes: Whanau and community programmes can play a significant role in raising awareness, offering support, and building a network for young people to lean on.

The upcoming New Zealand election offers a golden opportunity to bring the pressing issue of youth mental health to the forefront. Our rangatahi are not just statistics; they are our children, siblings, friends, and the future of New Zealand. Their mental well-being is a collective responsibility, and it's time our politicians took it seriously.

Let's hope that when the election discussions commence, youth mental health isn't just a footnote but a headline.

Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei. Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.