Peer-reviewed article
Trying to Survive in an Emotional Storm: A Qualitative Framework Analysis of Anonymous Youth Helpline Conversations on Mental Health and Everyday Life.
Gårevik N, Löfstedt P, Augustine L, Rydström LL, Jirwe M ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study analyzed 137 conversations from a Swedish youth helpline to understand how young people describe their mental health challenges and support needs. Young people reported distress linked to social pressures, school demands, and insufficient parental support rather than using only diagnostic labels. The research shows that young people frame their difficulties within everyday social and educational contexts and highlights the importance of listening to their narratives rather than focusing only on diagnoses.
Key points
- Three main sources of distress identified: social environment pressures, school system demands, and lack of parental support
- Young people used diagnostic labels like ADHD to explain and communicate their distress to others
- Distress was closely linked to social and contextual circumstances rather than presented as isolated mental health conditions
- Young people expressed both a desire for help and barriers to obtaining understanding from adults
- Mental health professionals should support young people's participation, autonomy, and meaning-making in understanding their own experiences
Limitations
This study is based on anonymous helpline conversations, which represent only young people who chose to contact the helpline and may not reflect the broader population of young people. The analysis cannot determine causation or long-term outcomes of the challenges described.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Young people's mental health is increasingly discussed using diagnostic terms. However, limited knowledge exists about how young people describe distress and support needs. This study explored how young people with self-reported functional difficulties described challenges affecting their mental health and everyday lives. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using 137 anonymized chat and text message contacts from BRIS (Children's Rights in Society), a Swedish youth helpline. Contacts registered within the category "Functional Impairments" were selected through predefined inclusion criteria. The material was analysed in Swedish using Framework Analysis. Results: One overarching theme, Trying to Survive in an Emotional Storm, was identified, comprising three subthemes: Social Environment-Between Norm Pressure and the Need for Support, A Constant Struggle in the Educational System and Insufficient Parental Support-Between Desire for Help and Barriers to Understanding. Young people described challenges related to social relationships, school demands, and limited support from adults. Self-reported diagnostic labels, particularly ADHD, were used to explain and communicate distress. Conclusions: The findings suggest that distress was closely linked to social and contextual circumstances. For nurses and other mental health professionals, the findings highlight the importance of listening to young people's narratives and supporting participation, autonomy, and meaning-making.