Mental health can be a difficult topic to talk about, but mental health issues are common. Did you know that mental illness is the leading cause of disability for young people? That’s why it’s so important to remember that mental health is not something we should ignore or put off until later. In this article, we will discuss how mental health affects youth in Canberra and what services exist to help those who need support.
Before we start, there are currently a number of new youth mental health Canberra initiatives currently underway in the ACT. We will do our best to keep this article up to date, but will only be referring to services that are currently available.
How significant is Youth Mental Health Canberra?
One in three young people will experience mental health issues before they are 18 and the percentage increases to one in two if you have a mental illness diagnosis. A recent study from Australia has shown that 75% of mental health issues occur before the age 25. Furthermore, suicide is still a leading cause in young people’s death rates.
We also need to remember mental health affects all of us in various ways. This means that mental illness isn’t just experienced by those who have a mental illness diagnosis, but may be felt by those experiencing chronic stress and depression as well.
The most common issues that young people face include:
- Anxiety – one in three young people will experience mental health issues before they are 18 and the percentage increases to one in two if you have a mental illness diagnosis.
- Depression – this is another common issue that affects mental health for many youth, with over one million Australians experiencing depression at any time.
- Alcohol and Drugs – mental health issues are closely linked to addiction and substance abuse for many young people.
- Eating disorders – one in four girls will experience an eating disorder before the age of 18.
What mental health services exist for youth in the ACT?
There are a number of mental health programs and organisations that can provide support for those struggling with mental illness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many mental health services in Canberra that can offer support and resources to those who need it most.
Head over to our explore page for a full list of youth mental health services available in the ACT.
Who to contact for UNDER 18’s?
The first place to contact for youth mental Health anberra under 18’s is Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) . They offer assessment and treatment for children and young people.
Who to contact for OVER 18’s?
For over 18’s. Access Mental Health Canberra 1800 629 354 is available 24 hours
What supports are there for young people within ACT schools?
Youth mental health Canberra support to students within schools includes multidisciplinary welfare teams, a school psychology program as well as community groups.
The mental health support within schools is divided into two categories: prevention and post-intervention. The goal of the school’s mental health program is to provide students with a comprehensive mental health care plan that supports them throughout their time at school, from before they start through to when they finish.
Within this scheme there are different services offered. For example, mental health support in schools comes from the mental services available at school. In this case, there are multidisciplinary welfare teams and a school psychologist as well as community mental health providers who work with students to offer mental health care on-site.
This strategy is seen as being beneficial because it allows for students to have access to mental health care in the school setting.
Additionally, mental health programs and support within schools can be seen as a way to prevent mental illness from occurring by offering students with mental wellness planning for their future that also includes how they will cope when faced with difficult situations – such as bullying or abuse.
This is because studies have shown that those who are more likely to experience mental illness in adulthood have been exposed to various mental health issues – such as bullying, neglect or abuse during their school years.
For more information of mental health services available at you or your child’s school it is best to contact them directly.
There are also a number of services available online and by phone:
There are a number of different mental health service providers that provide supports and access to mental health services online. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but it includes some of our favourites:
Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – offers free and private counselling over the phone for children aged five to 18 years old.
eHeadspace – provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25. It can also help their parents, teachers, friends or anyone else who may be concerned about the person going through a tough time. They offer easy-to-use resources for those suffering from mental illness such as depression or anxiety which are trending among young adults in Australia today because of stressful environments like school work pressures that require them to grow up too quickly without having proper guidance.
Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) – is a 24 hour national crisis intervention service that provides support by telephone, online chat or SMS text message.
SANE Australia (1800 272 263) – provides mental health advice and information to people with mental illness, their family or friends.
Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – Give us a call any time of day or night. 24 hour mental health advice and support.
How can I support a young person suffering with poor mental health?
It can be difficult for parents, friends and family to help a person who is suffering.
Here are just a few tips we have to support a young person:
– Encourage them to get help -The mental health system can often be intimidating and hard to navigate. Supporting them through the process such as accompanying them to a counsellor can often be one of the best ways to help.
– Help them set up a mental wellness plan or treatment goals to guide the way they are coping with mental illness and take care of themselves.
– Offer them support by listening, caring for them and doing things together like going out for walks in nature where it is peaceful so that they can relax.
Please check out the resources below to learn more about mental illness and how you can get help:
Beyond Blue – provides support for mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts to young people 12- 25 years old or their parents/carers. They offer one on one counselling online but also group therapy sessions that can help reduce the stigma mental illness.
KidsMatter – an organisation with the mission to create mental health literacy for young Australians and their families, address mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, promote mental wellbeing in early childhood, prevent mental illnesses from occurring by offering students with mental wellness planning for their future that also includes how they will cope when faced with difficult situations.
Mental Health Foundation of Australia – mental health first aid guidelines, mental illness fact sheets and free online resources to help mental wellbeing.
HeadsUpGuys – provides training for men who are experiencing mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety so that they can support their friends through difficult times. They offer face to face counselling in Sydney and mental health first aid guidelines in a number of different languages.
Mind Australia – mental illness fact sheets, mental health literacy and mental wellness planning for students.
Orygen Australia – Leading organisation for youth mental health research. They provide a wide range or resources and information.
Headspace – mental illness fact sheets, mental health literacy and mental wellness planning for students.
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