Youth and mental health - WHO film created in Tromsø

Mental health conditions among adolescents are quite common. Stress, anxiety and feeling down can affect anyone. It is important to seek information and support. A conversation digitally can work well.

A good conversation can make challenges easier to handle. Photo: Niels Borgholm Nielsen

Young people are often comfortable with meeting a therapist by digital tools. With video consultations, helpers meet youth where they are. Then they might open up more.

In the beginning of 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic began, we found out together with WHO/Europe that it was a good opportunity to create a film in Tromsø, Norway, about teenagers, mental health issues and use of digital technologies to get support.

In this film created by the WHO, you meet Johanne from Tromsø. One of the things she says is:

"I did not smile as much and had poor concentration at school. It was harder to be social… I'm glad I found a really good therapist who has helped me where I am today.”

The other person interviewed in the film is child and adolescent psychiatrist Judeson who works at BUP, University Hospital of North Norway (UNN). He believes that virtual communication can be an important supplement in treatment.

“It seems to be more socially accepted for young people to talk to a therapist digitally. The health service saves money, we remedy the lack of specialists, and we reach out to more people. And it's pretty easy!”

We would like to thank UNN, the youth council at UNN and everyone involved for the contributions that made the film a reality.