The impact of constant exams, job insecurity and cyber bullying on young people were all explored in a talk by TV star and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax.
The comedy writer – who has herself battled depression – joined teenagers to demonstrate to an audience at the Anna Freud Centre in Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead, the innovative approaches being developed to improve mental well-being of adolescents.
This includes the use of portable heart rate and body temperature monitors to track the impact of stress, as well as innovative websites that can help chart mental health progress.
Peter Fonagy, chief executive of the Anna Freud Centre, said: “As important as it is to help adolescents with their problems, we should remember that they also need our support to build up their strength to overcome challenges of the future.
“At the centre we are increasingly developing interventions that use new technology to equip children and teenagers with the life skills that help them in this task.”
The talk was held last Tuesday.
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