Young people's mental health

This chapter introduces the topic of young people’s mental health before exploring distinctions between mental health and mental ‘ill’ health and the stigma of many mental health problems. Drawing upon the lived experiences of young people, the chapter considers different understandings of mental ill health – often described as ‘models’ – and the implications for diagnosis, treatment, and support. The biomedical, psychological, and social models are introduced and critically analysed followed by a consideration of how these are combined within more contemporary biopsychosocial approaches.