International Mental Health Conference

I am grateful to have received conference funding from EMH, which allowed me to attend the Across the Life Span: 5th International Mental Health Conference held in Glasgow. This event brought together a diverse group of professionals, researchers, and practitioners from around the world, offering a rich environment for learning, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration in the mental health field.

One of the highlights of my participation was the opportunity to present a poster on our project titled: Loneliness in the Digital World – A Co-Production with the Young People Advisory Group. This project explores the growing issue of loneliness in the digital era, with a particular focus on young people, utilizing innovative methodologies such as Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and the involvement of a Young People Advisory Group in the design and execution of the research.

The poster presentation drew significant interest from conference attendees, especially due to its novel combination of real-time data collection through EMA and the collaborative involvement of young people in shaping the study. The audience was intrigued by how the advisory group informed both the research questions and methodologies, ensuring the study remains grounded in the lived experiences of young people. Many attendees expressed a keen interest in learning more about the co-production aspect, as this approach is becoming increasingly relevant in mental health research and practice.

During the conference, I engaged in meaningful discussions with fellow researchers, practitioners, and mental health advocates. Many were impressed by the innovative aspects of the project, and I received valuable feedback and suggestions that prompted me to reconsider certain elements of the study design. For example, several experts suggested exploring additional dimensions of digital loneliness, such as the impact of social media algorithms on young people's emotional well-being, and the potential to expand the study to include longitudinal follow-ups to better understand changes over time.

Moreover, the conference provided an excellent opportunity for networking and potential collaborations. I connected with several researchers working on related topics, and we discussed the possibility of future collaborations, particularly in the areas of digital mental health interventions and youth-centred research approaches. These connections could enhance the project's future scope and its potential for impact.

In summary, attending the 5th International Mental Health Conference not only raised awareness of our project on loneliness among young people in the digital world but also opened doors for potential research partnerships. The constructive feedback and insightful discussions helped me refine the study's design and consider new avenues for future research. The conference was an invaluable experience, reinforcing the importance of collaborative and participatory approaches in tackling pressing mental health challenges.