Supporting the

teaching of mental

health through health

and physical

education

AISNSW conference

22 May 2009

Using the Internet and game-based technology to promote youth mental health

What does the research tell us about …

• the mental health of young people?

• resilience and how to become resilient?

• promoting mental health in schools?

• using technology to promote mental health?

Most young Australians feel they’re in good health

• 93% of youth rated their health as “excellent”, “very good” or “good”

• Health influenced by:– Education– Employment– Economic status

Source: AIHW. Australia’s young people: their health and wellbeing 2007.

But areas of concern remain

• Psychological distress increasing

• Just over 25% of people aged 18-24 have been diagnosed with a mental disorder– Anxiety disorders: 11%– Affective disorders: 7%– Substance use disorders: 16%

Level of disability

• Depression is equivalent to that caused by blindness or paraplegia

• Active psychosis is between paraplegia and quadriplegia

Source: The World Health Organisation and the World Bank (1996)

In the average Year 12 classroom …

• 7 young people have experienced a mental health disorder

• Only 2 of those 7 will have sought professional help

• At least 1 young person will have attempted suicide

• 75% of mental illness has onset 16-20 years old but ….– Help not sought for at least 5 – 15 years.

Some young people are at greater risk

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders • Culturally and linguistically diverse• Same-sex attracted and transgender• Young carers• Young person living with a disability• Low SES

Mental wellness vs mental illness

Card ranking activity

Resilience … what, who, how

The happy knack of being able to bungee jump through the pitfalls of life.

Andrew Fuller, 1998

How can we support the development of resilience in

health and physical education programs and broader school

activities?

What is Reach Out all about?

• Promoting positive mental health and increasing mental health literacy and help-seeking in young people aged 16-25.

• Web-based• RO is anonymous and confidential• Available 24/7• Evidence-based and moderated by experts• Youth-friendly content

Heads up: Skills for Life resource

• Supports the use of the RO website in classrooms

• Supports the development of: – help-seeking strategies– skills to support others– critical health literacy

http://teachers.reachoutpro.com.au/article.asp?ti=3129

The process

Reach Out Central – Overview

• Target audience: – young people aged 16-25, particularly young

men.

• Combines gaming technology with CBT

• Objectives:– Increase mental health literacy– Increase skills to change thoughts and solve

problems– Application of learned skills to improve mental

health

Reach Out Central teacher resource

School version of game: http://cdroc.reachout.com.au Resources: http://teachers.reachoutpro.com.au/index.asp?index=Draft%20Material

Community partnerships

• Sense of belonging an important protective factor

• Meaningful participation and engagement can promote resilience

www.actnow.com.au

Reach Out Teachers’ Network

Membership benefits• Free to join• Access to free

curriculum resources• Access to free

professional development webinars

• Access to the latest research on technology and youth mental health in schools - FREE

http://teachers.reachoutpro.com.au

Contact details

Janice AtkinReach Out Program ManagerInspire Foundation

Ph: 02 8585 9344E: janice@inspire.org.au