Conversation starters to support young people with mental health struggles

When the heart fails, heart runners respond. But if the mind fails, who runs then?

An increasing number of young people in Denmark experience problems with mental health, but many find it difficult to share their struggles with family, friends and other close relationships. That is why postdoc Regina Christiansen from the Department of Clinical Research, OUH and the Research Unit for Psychiatry, together with Chief Physician at Lokalpsykiatrien in Middelfart and associate professor from the Department of Regional Health Research Henriette Bruun, are investigating how civil society can play a more active role in supporting young people in crisis.

Inspired by Trygfonden's Heart Run program, they are working on developing an emergency conversation starter - an offer that mobilises volunteers in the local community to meet with young people for a personal and compassionate conversation.

From chatbots to human connection

The project stems from a growing concern about young people's mental health, with more young people trying to cope with difficult emotions such as anxiety, depression and identity challenges on their own rather than talking to someone they know. In an increasingly digitalised world, many are turning to online forums and chatbots for support, which can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation.

An easily accessible and human conversation partner in the neighbourhood can therefore become an important resource helping young people address their problems and take the first steps towards getting the right help - before the issues grow more serious.

Discovery funding as a starting point

To get started with the project, Regina and Henriette applied for funding from SDU's Discovery fund, which allows researchers to test new or risky ideas at an early stage.

 - It was a way to start thinking about the idea of an acute conversation-starter in a manageable way, says Regina

The Discovery funding made it possible to organise a series of initial workshops with students in youth education. The results have provided important insights into how young people handle everyday challenges and how a conversation starter can best be adapted to their reality.

These initial experiences have formed the basis for the project’s next phase. In autumn 2025, the team will hold workshops with civil society to explore the role of citizens in the project and how they can support young people before unhappiness grows.