“My Day is Already Planned Out Before I Even Get to Choose it”: Using Youth-Oriented Research to Understand and Measure What Matters to Youth Aged 12-15 Years and the Implications for Mental Health Services

Voices and experiences of youth aged 12-15 years are rarely heard and prioritized. Understanding their perspectives is essential for tailoring effective mental health interventions and supports. As such, this qualitative study, co-designed with a youth advisory committee (n=7), interviewed 19 youth (aged 12-15 years) to explore their understanding of good mental health. Interviews were analyzed thematically following a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Three overarching themes were identified: 1) Everything is OK, describing a state of being able to manage the challenges of life, 2) Building Personal Strength and Resources, needed to maintain good mental health as an adolescent, and 3) Seeking Acceptance and Community, emphasizing the profound influence of social connections. Addressing adolescent mental health effectively requires a nuanced understanding of their perspectives to develop responsive and impactful mental health interventions and their active involvement in all facets of service design, research, and policymaking. PLAIN LANGUAGE TITLE: "My day is already planned out before I even get to choose it": Understanding what matters to youth aged 12-15 years and the implications for mental health services Youth aged 12-15 years are at a key developmental age and actively seek mental health services, yet their perspectives on these mental health services are rarely heard. Understanding what good mental health means to them is essential for creating support systems that meet their needs. This study explored how youth define good mental health. We worked with a youth advisory committee (n=7, aged 12-15 years) to co-design the research. Then, we interviewed 19 youth (aged 12-15 years, median age 14) from British Columbia, Canada, to learn about their views. Using an analysis approach that identifies patterns or themes in a way that reflects on the authors own perspectives and the process of analysis, we identified three key themes: 1. Everything is OK - Youth described good mental health as balancing their emotions to be able to handle life's challenges, including school and family pressures. 2. Building Personal Strength and Resources - Youth emphasized the importance of developing coping skills, confidence, and self-awareness to support their mental well-being. 3.Seeking Acceptance and Community - Youth highlighted the role of supportive relationships in having good mental health. These findings show that youth mental health is deeply connected to youths' environment, social connections, and ability to navigate challenges. To support them effectively, we must listen to their perspectives and include them in shaping mental health services, research, and policies. By prioritizing their voices, we can create meaningful and accessible mental health resources that align with their needs.