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Nurturing mental wellbeing: Celebrating youth week while addressing youth mental health in Queensland
It’s Queensland Youth Week (QYW) - an annual celebration of young people aged 12 to 25 and the positive contributions they make to our communities.
While recognising their talents and achievements, it is also important to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by many young people. Things like genetics, academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, financial stress, and societal expectations all have the potential to impact young people’s mental health.
Adolescence is a unique and formative stage of life. With many physical, emotional and social changes it is crucial period for developing habits around things like sleeping patterns, health food choices, positive interpersonal relationships, and managing emotions that are vital for mental wellbeing.
According to the Queensland Family and Child Commission Growing Up in Queensland Report 2020, 33 per cent of young people (aged 13-18 years) reported having an emotional or mental health condition.
The toll of mental health challenges on young people can be significant. Emotional distress can be common and can impact all facets of their lives including education/employment, social relationships, and personal development. Feelings of loneliness and isolation, despair, and low self-esteem can make the situation worse and can create barriers to seeking help.
Help is available
Despite the daunting nature of youth mental health challenges, it's crucial to point out that help and support are readily available throughout Queensland. There are a range of services tailored to support individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges:
headspace:
headspace, is a national youth mental health foundation and provides essential support to young people aged 12-25 years and their families and friends. headspace provides assistance to improve mental health through education, support, and services.
Kids Helpline:
Kids Helpline is a national free 24/7 support service specifically for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years, offering peer to peer support, self-help resources, and phone and online counselling.
1800 551 800
Lifeline:
Qualified counsellors are available via webchat or phone for any reason. The Kidsline website also provides information and resources for young people, parents/carers, schools, and teachers.
13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides phone or online support to equip people of all ages in Australia with the skills they need to look after their own mental health and wellbeing, and to create confidence in their ability to support those around them.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service
Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
1300 659 467
Your Doctor
… and remember, seeing a GP is a great start in getting professional help and creating a mental health plan,
As we celebrate Queensland Youth Week, let's acknowledge the impacts of youth mental health challenges, we can work together and have open conversations to reduce stigma and empower individuals to seek help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, don't hesitate to reach out for support. You are not alone, and help is always available.
USEFUL LINKS
selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
