Ruth Wadman, Research Fellow, Department of Health Sciences
Ruth is a Research Fellow for the Age of Wonder Adolescent Mental Health Collaboratory.
Her research focuses on what works to protect adolescent mental health, as part of the Born In Bradford Age of Wonder Cohort study.
email: ruth.wadman@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Ruth:
What do you do in the field of mental health?
My research focus is adolescent mental health and wellbeing. My work has previously looked at socioemotional wellbeing in young people with developmental disorders, and self-harm in young people in the care of their local authority. Over the past few years, I have been involved in research about health inequalities in people with severe mental ill health, including digital exclusion in this group. I am now a Research Fellow for the Age of Wonder Adolescent Mental Health Collaboratory, part of a seven-year project capturing the journey through adolescence and adulthood for all teenagers in Bradford.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
I do a lot of co-production and PPIE (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement) as part of my research. I find it hugely rewarding to work collaboratively with young people and adults in this way.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Two things come to mind. People and organisations tend to get nervous about researchers asking people about their mental health, and it can be a challenge to assure them that this is OK. More personally, I struggle to finish research projects…I tend to get distracted thinking about new projects (I know I’m not the only one)!
What impact do you hope your work is having- or can potentially have?
I want to improve people’s mental health and I want young people to feel listened to by researchers, universities and other organisations. I hope my work will make some small contribution towards both of these things.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
I’ve learned to accept that there will be days where things seem like a struggle (be it work, being sociable or doing the housework). I remind myself that it will pass, and I rest if I can.