Mental Health

Mental health, what is it?

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, and contribute to their community. Good mental health is the ability to process thoughts clearly and make correct decisions. People with good mental health can think, react, and feel across events fully and with independence. A mental illness is a disorder that can cause psychological and behavioural disturbances with varying severities.

Statistics 

More and more Teenagers struggle with mental health with 40% of young Australians have experienced a mental disorder in the last 3 years, post covid - 19. Anxiety disorders being the most common, affecting about 1 in 6 individuals. Mental health disorders among young Australians have increased by nearly 50 per cent in 15 years, as experts warn the health system is struggling to cope with the growing complexity and demand.

Strategies 

Some steps to take to help improve mental well – being are: Making sure you’re getting a restful sleep, strengthening relationships, moving your body on your terms, knowing when to take it easy and get some fresh air and sunshine. Strategies can help improve mental well-being, but they can’t cure any mental health conditions. You can consider professional support at any time. You don’t need to have depression, anxiety, or any specific mental health symptoms to benefit from therapy.

Support

Support within the school, you can contact the wellbeing team, year level leaders, explore or transition support teachers.

External Support - Numbers to call:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800551800
• Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
• Headspace on 1800650 890

Resources:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/what-is-mental-health#SnippetTab

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines 

Year 11 VM students