Researchers at Harvard University tracked human development for over 80 years by following two groups of men from their teenage years. The overwhelming conclusion is simple: good relationships keep us happier and healthier.

The study reveals that well-being is built upon a foundation of strong social connections. Loneliness, on the other hand, can negatively impact both our physical and mental health. It is the quality, not the quantity of close relationships that is key. Knowing you have people you can count on in times of need is protective for us at all ages.

This profound insight is echoed by numerous other studies. Robust social support, particularly emotional support, is crucial not only for mental health treatment but also for preventing challenges in the first place. Strong connections are known to foster resilience and improve communication, ensuring people access the right help at the right time before it’s too late.

The challenges of today’s world

In recent years, the field of youth mental health has grown more complicated. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and its associated lockdowns and concerns, coupled with the influence of social media and inherent pressures young people face in their formative years, has illuminated the profound and detrimental effects social isolation can have.

Young people today have experienced disruptions to vital in-person interactions that are crucial for developing social skills, building a sense of community, and fostering genuine relationships. The absence of these face-to-face engagements can lead to feelings of loneliness, alienation, and a diminished sense of belonging.

While social media platforms offer a digital space to connect, they often present an unrealistic portrayal of life. This digital landscape can inadvertently foster comparison, anxiety, and a reluctance to engage in the authentic, vulnerable conversations that are essential for building strong and supportive relationships. The pressure to maintain a perfect online persona can create a barrier to genuine emotional expression and seeking help when needed.

Considering these challenges, the importance of recognising when we are struggling and actively reaching out for support cannot be overstated. It emphasises how important and long-lasting our personal networks, including our friends, family, and trusted people, are in preserving our mental health. These are the connections that offer genuine understanding, empathy, and a safe space to share our true experiences, far removed from the often-superficial interactions of the digital world. The proactive development and maintenance of these in-person relationships is more important than ever in light of the difficulties facing the modern world.

So how does YourCrew make a difference?

YourCrew makes a tangible difference by empowering young people to proactively build their own support network, easily connecting them with a trusted “Crew” of their friends, family, and mentors. This regular connection builds a strong sense of belonging and connection, making sure that young people know they are seen and heard by people who really care. 

YourCrew also helps them deal with problems by giving them easy-to-find “Pathways to Help” for getting skilled help for themselves and their friends. In addition, the platform offers private journaling, a comprehensive A-Z information hub, an emergency alert button, and a simple mood tracker that helps users and their Crew recognise subtle emotional shifts. These features create a comprehensive and easily accessible support system for young people. 

The value of peer relationships is further supported by our focus group testing with high school students and ongoing engagement with our Youth Advisory Groups. This testing continues to highlight the importance of establishing connections with people who share their experiences and the limitations of social media as a digital support platform. YourCrew bridges this gap, offering a dedicated space for more meaningful interactions and a direct pathway to formal support when required.

A vital piece of the puzzle

That’s why we believe YourCrew is an essential part of the broader mental health solution. Its portable and accessible nature ensures that young people have their support network with them at all times. 

Our YourCrew Classroom program builds on this fundamental idea by consciously bringing this proactive and encouraging framework into the classroom, acknowledging the critical role that schools play in the lives and general wellbeing of youth.

Our focus at the Harrison Riedel Foundation remains firmly on “true prevention”. By teaching help-seeking behaviour and facilitating the creation of strong support systems before a crisis occurs, we aim to instil proactive and positive coping mechanisms that predict good mental health.

Lastly, every young person deserves a Crew. A network of trusted individuals who provide support, understanding, and a sense of belonging to ensure they can thrive in life as the Harvard University research suggests. YourCrew makes building and nurturing that network easier than ever, setting our young people up for a happier, healthier, and more resilient future. 

Young people can be empowered to take on life’s obstacles with the knowledge that they are never really alone if we work together. Share YourCrew with the important young people in your life.