Commenting on the stigma surrounding mental health problems easing among young people, in part due to the coronavirus pandemic, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan said a wider societal awareness of mental health in recent years – as seen in peer support programmes in schools and universities, for example – has contributed to more help-seeking behaviour among younger people. Prof Straughan said, “It’s among the younger people that the stigma of mental illness has lifted. They are encouraged to seek help. Sharing their thoughts and concerns as well as rallying social support to partner those who need more help seems to be a strategy that many young people have adopted.”