Youth Mental Health 

On Monday and Tuesday, Serae Love (Year 6 Teacher), Stewart Mcdonald (Student Welfare Officer) and myself attended the Youth Mental Health First Aid course. This was a very worthwhile professional learning. Just like first aid, this course gave us a structure to effectively and efficiently support students with mental health crises, illnesses and disorders. 

A mental disorder or mental illness is a diagnosable illness that affects a person's thinking, emotional states and behaviour. It can disrupt a person’s ability to participate effectively in school/work, carry out other daily activities and engage in satisfying relationships. Some people have one episode of mental illness in their lifetime, while other people have multiple across their lifetime, with periods of wellness in between. A small minority of people have ongoing mental health issues. 

One in five people in Australia have had/have a common mental illness and about one in seven children and adolescents, aged 4-17 have recently experienced a mental disorder in Australia.

Children can be faced with a number of experiences in their childhood and adolescence that can lead to mental health related issues. Some of these experiences include: relationship problems, eating and body-image issues, bullying, cyberbullying, abuse, neglect, feeling sad, depressed, worried or anxious for a period of 2 weeks or longer, self-harm and/or suicide.

Early intervention for children and adolescents displaying mental health problems is essential, as early intervention prevents problems from becoming more serious and reduce the likelihood of secondary effects. It is important that young people are supported by their family, friends, and teachers during this time. There are many types of treatment and support that can help children with mental illness.

Taking an active interest in your child, encouraging them to talk about what is happening in their life and being aware of changes in their behaviour are all simple steps you can take to monitor your child's mental health.

The Youth Mental Health Aid process is a simple structure that supports adults to talk to their children if they have concerns about their child's mental health. The first step is to approach the child, assess what is going on and assist with any crisis. Listening and communicating non-judgmentally is essential to support the child in feeling heard. Once a young person with a mental health problem feels heard, they may be more likely to accept support. The last step is to encourage the young person to get the appropriate professional help or implement other strategies, like self-help strategies.

It is important as the adult to seek support from your doctor or other health or mental health professional if you are concerned. The below are some organisations that support youth with mental health problems:

Kids Help Line - 1800 55 1800. This is a telephone, web-based and email counselling service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for young people aged up to 25 years.

Beyond Blue - This website has screening questionnaires for depression and anxiety. It also has information about depression and anxiety disorders and professionals who can help. 

Parenting Strategies - This website hosts guidelines which consist of strategies that parents can undertake to help prevent depression and anxiety problems in adolescence. 

Headspace - The National Youth Mental Health Foundation has a website which includes information for a range of audiences. eHeadspace is their e-counselling service which is run for young people aged 12-25. 

YouthInMind Australia - This website provides a Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire which gives feedback on the presence of emotional, conduct, hyperactivity and peer problems. Children aged 11-17 can complete this survey independently or parents can assist a young person to complete it. 

ReachOut - This website provides information about mental health problems and physical and mental wellbeing. ReachOut has fact sheets, interactive games, training programs, activities and forums where young people can ask for help and offer each other advice. 

BRAVE -  BRAVE is an interactive, online and evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapy program for the prevention of anxiety in children and teenagers. 

SANE Australia - 1800 18 7263. Is for people living with a mental illness and their carers.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or would like any further resources around youth mental health. 

Rebekah Brown

Assistant Principal and Inclusion Coordinator