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Why young people are turning to peers for mental health support

Peers and online communities are filling gaps in youth mental health care, with 40% of teens saying they would talk to a friend first, researchers found.

  • Nearly half of students choose a friend first for mental health support, as young adults increasingly turn to peers instead of seeking help from a trusted adult.
  • Experts caution that peer support does not replace professional mental health care, as roommates and teammates often feel unprepared to handle sensitive conversations without proper training.
  • Investing in training programs equips young people with the tools needed to assist their peers effectively, a primary goal of the initiative.
  • Co-Designed approaches, created by young people for young people, have reached many individuals since inception and demonstrate stronger engagement than traditional mental health resources.
  • Despite the rising reliance on peer support, stigma continues to complicate discussions about mental health, but accessible peer networks remain essential for navigating daily challenges.
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Why young people are turning to peers for mental health support

OK Today reports that 47% of young people prefer talking to peers for mental health support, yet many lack the skills to handle such discussions.

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Daily Post-Athenian broke the news on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
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