Sonia Gray

Correct.

Ten years ago, we were like, oh, we're not sure.

We know the world that we're from.

We'll give it a good shot.

Now we have no idea.

So can we blame them for being sort of apathetic?

You can't blame them at all.

But it's not all bad.

A reduction in stigma around mental health means young people are more likely to recognise when they need help and to take action.

After the break, we take a look at SSRI medication for anxiety.

Is it safe for young people?

When should it be used?

And what should parents look out for?

The number of young people in New Zealand taking anti-anxiety medication like SSRIs is now about five times greater than it was 15 years ago.

SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are mainly used to treat anxiety and depression.

It's natural that parents have a lot of questions about these medications.

So I asked psychiatrist Darrell Lee when SSRIs should be used with young people and what role they should play in treatment.

And the basics are things like healthy food, enough sleep, exercise and connection.

And in many cases, getting those basics right will be enough to improve a child's anxiety or low mood.

But in many cases, you need more.