Today (5 October) is National headspace Day and with 2 in 5 young people reporting a mental health condition, now is the time to ‘pause, reflect and reconnect’ – to stop and think about the significant challenges confronting young people and help them get back on track.
“The demand for headspace services has never been great than it is now,” says headspace CEO Jason Trethowan.
“We’ve known from before the pandemic the period of adolescence and early adulthood is a critical time in a young person’s life, and 75% of mental illnesses emerge before the age of 25.”
Mr Trethowan says this year’s National headspace Day theme, ‘pause, reflect, reconnect’, offers a pathway for young people to prioritise their mental health in the wake of the most severe Covid-19 measures.
He says that the tumultuous events of the past two years, including the Covid-19 lockdowns and natural disasters, have led to the rise in the number of young Australians experiencing mental health issues.
“Many young people coming to headspace say they are experiencing anxiety and depression, and report feeling busy, stressed or upset in their everyday lives,” says Mr Trethowan.
“This mental and emotional pressure can make life feel really challenging for young people.
“It’s times like these we make space to pause, reflect on how we’re feeling, and then to reconnect with the people and things that make us feel good.
“You might find you need more support, in which case headspace is here to help. Every year, more than 100,000 young people visit a headspace centre or access phone and online counselling services through eheadspace,” he says.
With the rise in mental health issues among young Australians, it’s important for all in the community, including healthcare professionals like those in community pharmacy, to consider how best to support young people to get back on track and to reach their potential.
And supporting others includes supporting your own mental health, too.
“That includes making sure we too take daily steps for a healthy headspace, and model self-care for the young people around us,” says Mr Trethowan.
“Bouncing back from the past two years is a challenge that is going to require all hands on deck.”
headspace encourages any young person, family, or friends in need of support to visit their local headspace centre.
Support is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace 7 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) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.
To learn more about headspace Day, visit: headspace.org.au
