Young Lives longitudinal evidence has directly informed the new WHO Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans launched in March 2025.

We are particularly delighted to see that these new global guidelines embody a holistic, life-course perspective, addressing the social and structural determinants like poverty, housing and employment, that contribute to poor mental health, to create a supportive and inclusive environment for better mental health. The guidelines reflect numerous key policy messages from Young Lives findings shared as part of the WHO Expert Technical Committee, attended by Kath Ford, Young Lives Deputy Director.

 Among the Young Lives publications referenced are:

• in relation to social and structural determinants and the impact of global crises: Young Lives Under Pressure: Protecting and Promoting Young People’s Mental Health at a Time of Global Crises, which highlights that mental health issues are triggered and prolonged by multiple factors, particularly rising levels of global poverty and inequality. Whilst global crises are exacerbating this further, triggering high levels of anxiety and depression and declining well-being amongst young people;
• in relation to maternal mental health and intergenerational impacts: Does Maternal Depression Undermine Childhood Cognitive Development? Evidence from the Young Lives Survey in Peru which makes a strong case for recognising maternal mental health problems as disorders of public health significance
  and;
• in relation to the impact of interrupted education on poor mental health: Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression symptoms of young people in the global south: evidence from a four-country cohort study which provides evidence on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people who grew up in poverty in low- and middle-income countries.

The guidelines provide an exceptional resource with the potential to support transformational change in mental health action around the world — setting out comprehensive recommendations for strategic action to help shift predominantly biomedical approaches to mental health towards a person-centred, recovery-orientated and rights-based approach.

Specific Young Lives references include:

1. In relation to social and structural determinants and the impact of global crises:

'Many factors influence mental health across different levels. On an individual level, these include stigma and discrimination, violence, bullying, poverty, gender (for example, inequality and harmful gender norms) poor access to healthcare, inadequate housing and limited job and educational opportunities. For families, challenges may involve financial insecurity, strained relationships, and lack of access to support. At the community lever, people are affected by the availability of community resources and overall social cohesion. More broadly, at a societal level, factors like cultural norms, economic instability, and social inequalities, the unprecedented combination of multiple global crises and shocks, including climate change, conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, and protracted conflicts and emergencies, play significant roles. Global crises are exacerbating risks such as rising levels of poverty and food insecurity, which significantly impact mental health, especially in low- and middle-incomes countries (LMICs) (33). These diverse influences highlight the need for a multifaceted response involving all government sectors, not just health. Significant shifts in national policies and strategic action plans are essential to address these determinants comprehensively, to align with the CRPD, and ensure holistic, person-centred care within the framework of universal mental health coverage.'

Reference Module 1: (33) Ford K, Freund R. Young Lives under pressure: protecting and promoting young people’s mental health at a time of global crises, Young Lives policy brief 55. Oxford: Young Lives 2022 (https://www.younglives.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-11/YL-PolicyBrief-55-Sep22%20Final.pdf, accessed 10 December 2024)

2. In relation to maternal mental health and intergenerational impacts: 

'Maternal mental health promotion

• 'Address the adverse effects of maternal mental stress on children's physical growth and development of cognitive and socio-emotional skills, leading to long-term health risks, reduced life satisfaction, and increased risky behaviours into adulthood.
• 'Provide comprehensive mental health support for mothers during and after pregnancy, with early interventions to prevent the intergenerational transmissions of poor mental health outcomes and promote healthy development in children (142).'

Reference Module 2: (142) Bendini M, Dinarte L. Does maternal depression undermine childhood cognitive development? Evidence from the Young Lives Survey in Peru. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17 (https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197248)

3. In relation to impact of interrupted education on poor mental health:

'Lack of, low, or interrupted education levels 

'Lack of, low, or interrupted education is linked with poor mental health.  It can increase vulnerability to rights violations and limits access to healthcare, employment, social capital, and other community support (278, 294, 295).'

Reference Module 2: (295) Porter C, Favara M, Hittmeyer A, et al. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression symptoms of young people in the global
south: evidence from a four-country cohort study. BMJ Open. 2021;11:e049653 (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049653).