Mental health and young people: Setting the sceneCelia RaeHunter Institute of Mental Health

Hunter Institute of Mental Health

• Hunter Institute of Mental Health is a leading national organisation dedicated to reducing mental illness and suicide and improving wellbeing for all Australians.

• For more than 20 years we have been delivering successful, evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention programs from our base in Newcastle, NSW.

Overview• Terminology;• Mental illness in

young people;• Key issues for

young people;• Role of educators;• Questions.

What is mental health?

• Refers to our ability to manage thoughts, feelings and behaviour so that we can: – Experience satisfaction and happiness;– Cope with stress and sadness;– Achieve our goals and potential;– Maintain positive connections with others;

• More than just absence of illness.

Mental health ≠ mental illness

≠ Mental illness;

≠ Happiness;

= Social & emotional wellbeing.

Mental illness• Significantly impact on thoughts, feelings &

behaviour;• Diagnosed by health professionals;• No single cause, combination of factors;• Can be a single episode or ongoing;• 50% of people during their lifetime;• Age of onset = 50% by 14 years, 75% by 24 years.

Mental health difficulties

• Difficulties with thoughts, feelings and behaviour;

= Emotional and behavioural difficulties;• 100% of people experience mental health

difficulties;• Most will resolve in time;• Additional support may be required.

Continuum

*Image from MindMatters resources: www.mindmatters.edu.au

Risk factors

• Risk factors – associated with poor mental health:– Disability, chronic illness;– Homelessness, family

violence;– Poverty, social

discrimination, bullying;

• A combination of factors increases risk.

Protective factors

• Protective factors – associated with positive states of mental health:– Easy-going temperament;– Good self-esteem;– Good communication, problem solving & social skills; – Positive relationships with others; – Ability to identify, manage & express emotions

appropriately.

Mental illness in children & young people

• Almost 1 in 7 (13.9%) of 4-17 year olds past 12 months;• Males more likely than females;• Most common types of illness:

– ADHD (7.4%);– Anxiety disorders (6.9%);– Major depressive disorder (2.8%);– Conduct disorder (2.1%).

*Young Minds Matter Survey 2015

Mental illness in young people

• Depression and anxiety most common: – 1 in 13 aged 11-17 years meet diagnostic criteria

for major depressive disorders;– 1 in 5 girls aged 16-17 years meet criteria;– 1 in 5 aged 11-17 years had high or very high

levels of psychological distress.

Self-harm

• In young people aged 12-17: – 1 in 10 had ever self-harmed;

• In young women aged 16-17: – 16.8% had self-harmed in past year;

• Self-harm more common in:– Girls vs boys;– Older adolescents vs. young adolescents.

Suicidal behaviour

• In young people aged 12-17 years: – 1 in 13 had seriously considered suicide;– 1 in 40 had attempted suicide;

• In young women aged 16-17 years: – 1 in 7 seriously considered suicide;– 1 in 20 attempted suicide;

• Suicidal behaviours more common in:– Girls vs boys;– Older adolescents vs. young adolescents.

Key issues for young people

• Issues of most concern: – Coping with stress; – School or study problems;– Body image;– Depression;– Family conflict.

*Mission Australia Youth Survey 2013

• 1 in 4 young people are unhappy with their lives;

In the classroom

• Average Year 12 classroom (about 20 students): – 5 are unhappy with life;– 2 experiencing major depression;– 4 are experiencing high levels of distress; – 2 have self-harmed; – 2 have seriously contemplated suicide; and – 1 student has made plans to end their own life.

Role of educators• Positive school

environment;• Supporting positive

development of social & emotional skills;

• Strong relationships with families.

Early intervention

• Monitoring students’ mental health;• Being aware of warning signs;• Talking with young people;• Linking young people & families with

information & support.

Self-care

• Don’t forget to look after yourself;

• Physical health;• Manage stress;• Relationships;• Spirituality.

Asking for help

• Crisis support chat: www.lifeline.org.au.

• It’s ok to ask for help;• Help seeking is a strength;• Friends, family, colleagues;• GP, Psychologist;• Lifeline 13 11 14;

What the evidence tells us…• Significant positive outcomes:– Educational;– Health & mental health;

• Reduced negative outcomes: – Antisocial behaviour & crime;– Substance misuse;– Mental health problems.

*Clarke, Morreale, Field, Hussein & Barry, 2015

Personal accounts

• Alex, 15 years old – school intervened after a suicide attempt, now receiving treatment;

• Kelly, 16 years old – receiving help from a school counsellor.

Resources• Mind Matters: www.mindmatters.edu.au

• SANE Australia: www.sane.org

• beyondblue: www.beyondblue.org.au

• Kids Helpline: www.kidshelpline.com.au

• ReachOut: www.au.reachout.com

• headspace: www.headspace.org.au

• Response Ability: www.responseability.org

Questions

Celia RaeSenior Project OfficerHunter Institute of Mental Health02 4924 6923celia.rae@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au