Nearly two in five young adults (38%) would keep quiet about mental health issues and suffer in silence – rather than seeking help, a study has found.
Other issues that Gen Z adults, aged 15-25, would rather not open up about, include debt trouble (34%), or struggles to find work (24%).
The poll of 1,000 Brits within this age group found that almost three-quarters (seven in ten) feel there is a stigma around mental health, abuse, homelessness, or unexpected unemployment.
And nearly one in ten (8%) have never had a discussion with someone who could help them – but this has left them feeling worried (46%), anxious (43%), or vulnerable (37%).
Those who did reach out took just over five months to ask for support and advice – with top reasons for this including not wanting to be a “burden”, fear of being judged, and simply not knowing where to turn.
The research was commissioned by the KFC Foundation to mark its partnership with Comic Relief, having raised £3 million since 2019.
Together, the charities have been raising funds in a bid to help organisations in local communities by providing safe social spaces, mentoring, employment, and social skills for young people.
Ahead of this Red Nose Day on March 17th, Strictly Come Dancing contestant and KISS Radio DJ, Tyler West, has joined forces to tackle the stigma around these issues, and shine a light on the support that is out there.
Tyler West said: “I can relate to needing support and being afraid to ask for it – but I also know how much impact that support can have on a young person's life.
“That is why the funding from Comic Relief and the KFC Foundation is so important. It translates into real-life benefits for real people when they need it most.
“So this Red Nose Day, share a bucket, buy a bucket, or wear a bucket hat, and you can help make sure young people know they have somewhere to go.”
The research also found that two-thirds of those polled, via OnePoll, have either been through a serious trauma, or are currently experiencing one.
And for those who are yet to go through any serious issues, 59% claim they would try and solve it themselves before trying to get help – with only 6% considering seeking help from local charities.
But 37% believe there is either not very much help, or no help at all, for younger people in these circumstances.
And of the 53% who have known someone going through a crisis in their life, 42% said this person stayed quiet about it for “a long time”.
Positively, over half (52%) of young Brits polled would consider going into a profession when they are older that helps young people dealing with serious issues.
Based in Blackpool, one of the organisations supported by the KFC Foundation and Comic Relief is Streetlife.
It mentors, coaches, and advocates for homeless young people in the local community, helping them find their feet and a stable home so they can think about their future and take steps towards it.
Kaitlyn, 19, beneficiary of the charitable organisation, said: “I’ve been with Streetlife since November 2021, and have pretty much been with the project every day for the past year.
“We build bonds between people and everyone gets to know each other, so it’s something I’m really grateful for.
“I believe that if more people spoke out about their experience and what they’ve been through, it would help make it easier for other people.”
