Pastoral Care
Risk reduction for mental illness
Anxiety and depression rates amongst Australian teenage girls have more than doubled over the past 14 years, according to studies undertaken by The Black Dog Institute. While we are fortunate to have an abundance of support programs and resources for those parents whose daughters are already experiencing mental health issues, there is a growing medical community focusing on how parents and guardians can reduce the risk of mental illness for teenage girls in their families.
Monash University has launched Partners in Parenting Plus+, a personalised, online program that can be found here. PiP+ aims to
“empower [parents] to make sense of adolescence and to parent your teenager with confidence. The program includes practical, evidence-based and expert-endorsed strategies designed to build your skills and confidence in ways that may reduce your teen's risk of depression and anxiety problems” (PiP+, 2023).
Early intervention for mental illness
If you are worried that your daughter is starting to struggle with mental illness, early intervention has been proven to have the most significant impact on positive prognosis (more information can be found here). Your family GP is the primary point of contact if you have concerns about your daughter’s mental health, as they perform mental health assessments, formulate Mental Health Treatment Plans, and identify and provide referrals to external providers (psychologists, psychiatrists, in-patient programs) who can best address your daughter’s needs.
Resources
There are many fantastic services and resources in Sydney where you can access immediate assistance and/or information about early intervention and mental health concerns:
Walk-in service based at Randwick Children’s Hospital. If you or someone you care for is experiencing emotional distress, such as thoughts of suicide, and you’d like support, SafeHaven is here for you.
Online mental health service for young people under the age of 25 years and their parents/carers.
Headspace (Bondi Junction)
Headspace centres are located throughout Australia and provide mental health and well-being support to young people aged up to 25 years. Headspace provides free online and telephone support and counselling to young people 12 – 25 and their families and friends. Call 1800 650 890, 9:00 am – 1:00 am AEST / 7 days a week, chat online or email
WAYS Youth and Family (Bondi Junction)
Free counselling and casework support for young people.
NSW Mental Health Line:1800 011 511
A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
Kylie Bordignon-Hock
Director of Pastoral Care