Wellbeing
The importance of mental health
Growing up is not easy and at each stage of development, from pre-primary, right through to adulthood, there are challenges that will test a person’s emotional and mental health. Teenagers can experience bouts of depression and anxiety, have problems with bullying, peer pressure or drugs and alcohol. Promoting good mental health in children, teenagers and young people will help them build lasting relationships, communicate effectively, and adapt to change as they grow into adults. As part of the ongoing support of everyone’s mental health, the Australian Government provides anyone with a Medicare number the opportunity to receive a Mental Health Care Plan. This week I have provided some information below about this important service.
On behalf of the whole Student Wellbeing Team, I want to thank all the teachers, parents, and students for their important work in supporting the wellbeing of others in our community. We hope you have a restful and rejuvenating break.
Drew Hanna
Student Wellbeing Coordinator
What is a Mental Health Care Plan?
If your child is dealing with a mental health issue, it is important to know who you can talk to and where you can get help. Your local GP is the first point of call to obtain a Mental Health Care Plan.
Your doctor will work with you and your child to decide:
- What your child’s mental health needs are
- What kind of help your child requires – medical, physical, psychological and social needs are all considered
- What result you would like
- What treatment would be best for you
Your doctor will offer a copy of the plan and will also keep a copy on your medical record. If you give permission, a copy can also be given to other people, such as psychologists.
Costs
If you have a Medicare card, Medicare will cover some or all of the cost of care planning by a doctor. It may also rebate some of the costs of certain specialists or other health professionals, which will be charged separately. Your doctor should tell you what costs (if any) are involved when you agree to make a mental health care plan. If you are unsure, ask your doctor what fees will be involved.
Where else can I get help?
There are many mental health conditions that, when untreated, can lead to crisis – from panic attacks and psychotic episodes to aggressive or suicidal behaviour.
Ways to find urgent help:
- call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
- go directly to a hospital emergency department
- call your local community mental health service and ask for the Acute Community Intervention Service (ACIS) to come to your home (or where the person is having a mental health crisis)
- contact a 24-hour telephone helpline such as Lifeline (call 13 11 14)
For support, phone and web counselling, or mental health information contact one of the mental health support services listed below:
- Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service.
- Suicide Call Back Service – call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts, family or friends affected by suicide and healthcare professionals treating suicidal patients.
- Suicide Line – call 1300 651 251 for free and anonymous support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Victoria.
- Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling and advice for young people between the ages of five and 25.
- Headspace – headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25-year-olds.
- Reachout – visit their website for information, tools and support for young people with mental health issues.
- Youth Beyond Blue – call 1300 22 4636 for free telephone counselling or visit their website for information, resources and support for young people with depression or anxiety.
- Alcohol and drug foundation – free health advice for young people on alcohol and drug use, including mental health.
More information can be found on the Victorian Government Health Site