Prevention

3.2.1 Considerations by generational group

Each age group benefits from tailored interventions that address their unique developmental, social and psychological needs. Multi-sector collaboration, equitable access, early identification, and ongoing adaptation of strategies underpin effective emotional wellbeing promotion and mental disorder prevention across the lifespan.

Prenatal Stage

Emotional wellbeing begins before birth. Key considerations include maternal mental health, access to prenatal care, and support for expectant parents. Stress reduction, nutritional support, and early identification of risk factors are essential to lay the foundation for healthy emotional development in the child (O’Connor et al, 2014; Stein et al, 2014).

Children Aged 0–4 Years

Secure attachment, nurturing environments and responsive caregiving are critical. Early screening for developmental or emotional difficulties, and support for parents and carers, help to prevent issues later. Access to unstructured play, social interaction and positive reinforcement also foster emotional resilience (Shonkoff & Garner., 2012; Murray et al, 2015).

Children Aged 5 – 14 Years

School-based programmes promoting social skills, emotional literacy and resilience are vital. Early intervention for behavioural or emotional concerns, and integrating mental health education into the curriculum, can help prevent the onset of disorders. Ensuring equitable access to support services and encouraging healthy peer relationships are also key (Fazel et all, 2014).

Social media use has increased in these younger age groups with a negative impact on emotional wellbeing. Both parents and schools, as well as stronger regulations for social media entities are needed.

Adolescents and Young Adults Aged 15–22 Years

This age group is particularly susceptible to stressors related to identity, academic pressure and social relationships.

They are also more amenable to influence through behavioural design strategies, such as nudges and digital interventions, which should be utilised in designing support. Prioritising accessible mental health services, reducing stigma, and providing safe online and offline spaces are key (Patton et al., 2016; Kessler et al, 2005).

The impact of social media use can have both positive and negative effects on the mental health of adolescents and young adults. Excessive or problematic use is associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem, while moderate use can facilitate social connection and support (Keles et al., 2020; Odgers & Jensen, 2020). Interventions such as phone-free school initiatives have shown promise in reducing distraction, improving attention, and fostering in-person social interaction, which may contribute to better emotional wellbeing (van den Eijnden et al., 2022; Domoff et al., 2021).

Implementation of such interventions, alongside digital literacy education and guidance on healthy technology use, can support positive mental health outcomes during this formative period. Both this and the subsequent age group face increased exposure to and experimentation with substances such as alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and other drugs. Whilst alcohol remains the most widely used substance (ESPAD Group, 2020) in this age group, recent data highlight a rise in cannabis consumption (Johnston et al., 2022). Tobacco use continues to be a significant concern—early initiation has been linked with a greater risk of lifelong addiction and respiratory health issues (U.S. Surgeon General, 2016).

Early or frequent use of these substances is associated with substantial health risks, including impaired neurodevelopment, greater susceptibility to anxiety and depression, increased risk of substance dependence, and adverse academic and occupational outcomes (Silins et al., 2014; Gobbi et al., 2019). Interventions focusing on preventive education, harm reduction, and timely access to support services are essential for mitigating these risks and fostering informed choices among young people.

Adults Aged 23 – 36 Years

Transitioning into the workforce, relationships and independent living can bring stress. Workplace mental health initiatives, access to counselling, and programmes that promote work-life balance and resilience are beneficial. Early intervention and support for emerging mental health concerns are important in this life stage (WHO, 2019).

This age group continues to have significant impact from social media and substance use and abuse, with the same considerations and interventions as described for the previous age group.

Aged 37 – 54 Years

This group often juggles work, children and ageing parents. Key considerations include stress management at home and work, access to flexible mental health services and support for caregiving roles. Promoting environments that foster psychological safety and resilience, both at home and work, is essential (Pearlin & Beirman., 2010).

In recent years, the opioid epidemic has emerged as a critical public health concern, particularly affecting young and middle-aged adults in the US and other western countries. There has been a marked rise in ‘deaths of despair’—fatalities due to drug overdose (predominantly opioids, more recently also fentanyl), alcohol-related diseases and suicide (Case & Deaton 2015).

Effective interventions include expanding access to evidence-based addiction treatment, harm reduction strategies, early screening and supporting community-based recovery programmes, as well as broader public health initiatives targeting the root causes of unemployment, economic instability and social isolation (Volkow et al., 2019).

Aged 55 – 70 Years

Considerations for this age group include addressing loneliness, retirement transitions and chronic health conditions. The combination of mental health issues with other chronic conditions is often a trigger for leaving the workforce (Hajat et al., 2022). Ensuring access to community programmes, social networks and age-appropriate mental health care can help maintain emotional wellbeing and prevent disorders (Steptoe et al., 2013).

Age 70+ Years

For older age groups, the focus shifts to combating social isolation, supporting independence and managing bereavement. Community engagement, access to mental health and social services, and promoting intergenerational relationships are key to emotional wellbeing in later life (Wiles et al, 2012).