GROWING awareness on youth mental health issues can be a good finding, but communities and government need to strengthen preventative measures, a Ballarat youth health expert says.
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Young Victorians are identifying mental health as the top issue facing Australia today, according to Mission Australia’s annual youth survey released this week.
Concern for mental health issues is up 13.4 per cent statewide with more than two in five young Victorians listing it above alcohol and drug issues for the first time.
Ballarat Community Health young mental health expert Lesley McKarney said survey results were not a surprise as issues of coping with stress and depression had long been a key concern among teenagers.
“There is increasing awareness on mental health that also needs to be taken into context and that’s a lot to do with celebrities and the media increasing talk about it,” Ms McKarney said. “It’s really important to normalise conversations about mental health and well-being. It is an illness and can be treated.”
Findings back up a headspace report in October that showed young Victorians were experiencing the highest rates of psychological distress in the nation.
Ms McKarney said there was no real difference between Ballarat youth concerns compared to those presenting across the state: school, studies, getting a job, family violence and suicide.
“Bullying is up there...young people are more aware of spending too much time on social media but also worry what happens if they miss out,” Ms McKarney said. “...They need to know it’s okay to take time out.”
Ms McKarney said evidence showed early intervention and treatment were vital with 75 per cent of adults’ mental illness stemming from childhood years.
With family and friends often the first point for seeking support, Ms McKarney said it was important young people feel they could be open.
Ms McKarney said there was a range of help available and advice available, including professional help from a general practitioner, Ballarat Community Health and headspace in-person, online or on the phone.
Keeping physical health, getting enough sleep and learning coping strategies to prevent stress are Ms McKarney’s top tips for young people to take a proactive approach to good mental health.
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