With young people across the country heading back to school, headspace is encouraging families to continue to check in on their young people’s mental health in the face of study, work and relationship pressures.
New findings from the first-ever National Family Mental Health Survey released this week reveal the issues Australian families believe are most impacting their young person’s mental health, with social media (52 per cent), online bullying (28 per cent) and body image (26 per cent) identified as the top three issues impacting young people.
Furthermore, three in four (74 per cent) family members said they believe the mental health of young people today is significantly more impacted compared to when they were young themselves.
Checking in
Many families are already taking natural opportunities to check in with their young people.
Those surveyed said they regularly discuss ways of coping with stress or pressure (62 per cent), and topics relating to school or work (59 per cent) with their young people, with the most popular place to have these mental health chats being ‘in the car’ (48 per cent).
However, headspace is encouraging all parents, carers and family members to ensure they’re making time to chat to their young person during this period.
Headspace’s National Clinical Advisor, Deb Mountjoy, said family is an important source of support for young people, particularly at the start of a new school or work year. This includes those transitioning from primary to secondary school, or into further study or the workforce.
‘The start of a new year can be really exciting, however it’s also a time of change, so some young people can also feel nervous, uncertain or unsure about what the year will hold. Facing the challenge of a different environment and routine, making new friends and managing school work can also bring uncertainty.’
Reaching out
Ms Mountjoy says she encourages parents and families to regularly check in with their young people over the coming weeks to see how they’re feeling. ‘It can also be helpful to prepare for going back to school or work, such as working out a healthy routine that balances study, social life, self-care and family time,’ she said.
‘While it’s normal to have a range of emotions during this time of change and transition, it can be helpful to reach out for support if you continue to feel concerned about your young person’s wellbeing.
‘This might also include concerns about their physical health including difficulties sleeping, eating or a loss of enjoyment in daily activities.’
Support for young people aged 12 to 25 who are require support with their mental health is available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.
If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) are available to talk 24/7.
