It’d be easy to open this article by saying something like “we all know how big of an issue mental health is for Australian youth,” or “by now, we’re all familiar with the statistics surrounding the issue.”
The thing is, neither of those things are true, ’cause a new cache of information from headspace presents the impact of mental health issues on young Australians in an incredibly confronting light.
According to research undertaken by headspace and Orygen, about half of all young Australians dealing with a mental health issue said the cost of treatment acted as a deterrent to getting help.
In addition to the worrying notion at-risk Aussies between 15 – 25 are avoiding professional help due to financial concerns, the research also points out over 50% of those with mental health issues say they’re afraid of other people’s perceptions.
Perhaps most importantly, 45% of respondents indicated they felt beyond help.
Fortunately, the research coincides with the inaugural headspace Day, a new initiative designed to ensure that every single young gun in this nation has access to the mental health services they need – and to reinforce the notion that it’s totally okay to seek support.
In a statement, Professor Patrick McGorry of the headspace board said “access is crucial and seeking help is the first step every young person must make, and we need to continue to provide effective and easy pathways to make sure this can happen for everyone.”
You can get around tomorrow’s headspace day by flashing one of their free
Access All Areas wristbands (which are available
riiight here), by making a ruckus about the day on your social media channel of choice, or by making a donation to this deadset worthy cause
here.Why? ‘Cause one day, we would like to be totally familiar with the statistics – and how far we’ve come in addressing the issue.
People aged 12-25 seeking help for a mental health problem should contact headspace at www.headspace.org.au. Additional support and information is available for those requiring assistance regarding mental health issues by calling Lifeline on 131 114, Mensline on 1300 789 978, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
