Mental Health Advocacy Program
Why focus on Mental Health?
Many young people (and older people!) find that their mental health can suffer when they are going through hard times. Yet, YACSA hears that young people sometimes don’t know what to do if they (or someone they know) are having problems with their mental health.
Some young people might be afraid to tell others about how they are feeling; other young people might try to find help but not be able to get the help they need. We are defining positive mental health as “a state of wellbeing in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with normal stressors of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Links to a number of useful websites are listed below.
Report Launch
On Tuesday, 21 November 2006 YACSA launched its study into young people’s mental health in South Australia.
The report, called Getting through: responding to young people’s mental health issues in the youth sector, looks at the mental health needs of young South Australians and youth workers, who are often the first point of contact for young people with mental health concerns.
Download the Report
Getting Through: Responding to Young People's Mental Health Issues in the Youth Sector (2006) ( 916Kb)
TFor more information contact the YACSA office on 8211 7546 or email yacsa@yacsa.com.au.
Media Releases
Don't just get by - get through! ( 136Kb)
Young people getting through: Dealing with mental health in South Australia ( 36Kb)
Young people getting through: Dealing with mental health in regional South Australia (Regional version 36Kb)
Other Free Resources
The e-hub research and development group is based at the Australian National University and provides online mental health services based on the best available scientific evidence. All of these services are free to consumers, anonymous and available 24/7. Currently, the e-hub consists of:
BluePages: www.bluepages.anu.edu.au
Comprehensive, evidence-based information about depression and its treatment (including medical, psychological and alternative therapies). BluePages also includes interactive depression and anxiety quizzes, descriptions of the experience and symptoms of depression, a relaxation download, and extensive resources for help.
BlueBoard: www.blueboard.anu.edu.au
Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety.
MoodGYM: www.moodgym.anu.edu.au
A popular interactive program that teaches cognitive-behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression. MoodGYM has been extensively researched and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in randomised controlled trials.
e-couch: www.ecouch.anu.edu.au
This interactive self-help program includes modules for social anxiety, generalised anxiety and depression. It provides self-help training drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies as well as relaxation and exercise. Modules for panic disorder, bereavement and relationship breakdown will be deployed progressively from 2010.
Beacon: www.beacon.anu.edu.au
Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health experts. Consumers can also submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous.
For more information, contact e-hub Clinical Services Manager Julia Reynolds on (02) 6125 7275.