"Nobody really gets it”: A qualitative exploration of youth mental health in deprived urban areas

Aim: To explore and describe the experience of mental health and addiction for young people living in urban deprived areas in Ireland. Method: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 young adults attending health and social care agencies in two deprived urban areas, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Five main themes were identified: experiencing symptoms, symptom progression, delay accessing help, loss of control/crisis point, and consequences of mental health and substance use issues. As young people delayed help, symptoms disrupted normal life progression and they found themselves unable to engage in every-day activities. Living in deprivation made it harder to avoid developing problems: many had added stressors, less familial support and early exposure to violence, addiction and bereavement. Conclusion: Young people in urban deprived areas are vulnerable to mental health and addiction issues. Early identification is necessary to halt this progression to improve their chances of achieving their potential.