This document discusses mental health issues affecting young people. It begins by defining mental health and distinguishing it from mental illness. Nearly 14% of Australian 4-17 year olds experience a mental illness each year, with anxiety and depression being most common. Risk factors include chronic illness, poverty, and bullying. Protective factors include good relationships and problem-solving skills. Educators play a key role in fostering wellbeing, monitoring students, and linking those in need with support services. With early intervention, positive outcomes are possible.

1. Mental health and young
people: Setting the scene
Celia Rae
Hunter Institute of Mental Health

2. Hunter Institute of Mental Health
• Hunter Institute of Mental Health is a leading
national organisation dedicated to reducing
mental illness and suicide and improving
wellbeing for all Australians.
• For more than 20 years we have been delivering
successful, evidence-based mental health and
suicide prevention programs from our base in
Newcastle, NSW.

3. Overview
• Terminology;
• Mental illness in
young people;
• Key issues for
young people;
• Role of educators;
• Questions.

4. What is mental health?
• Refers to our ability to manage thoughts,
feelings and behaviour so that we can:
– Experience satisfaction and happiness;
– Cope with stress and sadness;
– Achieve our goals and potential;
– Maintain positive connections with others;
• More than just absence of illness.

5. Mental health ≠ mental illness
≠ Mental illness;
≠ Happiness;
= Social & emotional
wellbeing.

6. Mental illness
• Significantly impact on thoughts, feelings &
behaviour;
• Diagnosed by health professionals;
• No single cause, combination of factors;
• Can be a single episode or ongoing;
• 50% of people during their lifetime;
• Age of onset = 50% by 14 years, 75% by 24 years.

7. Mental health difficulties
• Difficulties with thoughts, feelings and
behaviour;
= Emotional and behavioural difficulties;
• 100% of people experience mental health
difficulties;
• Most will resolve in time;
• Additional support may be required.

8. Continuum
*Image from MindMatters resources: www.mindmatters.edu.au

9. Risk factors
• Risk factors – associated with poor mental health:
– Disability, chronic illness;
– Homelessness, family
violence;
– Poverty, social
discrimination, bullying;
• A combination of factors increases risk.

10. Protective factors
• Protective factors – associated with positive
states of mental health:
– Easy-going temperament;
– Good self-esteem;
– Good communication, problem solving & social skills;
– Positive relationships with others;
– Ability to identify, manage & express emotions
appropriately.

11. Mental illness in children &
young people
• Almost 1 in 7 (13.9%) of 4-17 year olds past 12 months;
• Males more likely than females;
• Most common types of illness:
– ADHD (7.4%);
– Anxiety disorders (6.9%);
– Major depressive disorder (2.8%);
– Conduct disorder (2.1%).
*Young Minds Matter Survey 2015

12. Mental illness in young people
• Depression and anxiety most common:
– 1 in 13 aged 11-17 years meet diagnostic criteria
for major depressive disorders;
– 1 in 5 girls aged 16-17 years meet criteria;
– 1 in 5 aged 11-17 years had high or very high
levels of psychological distress.

13. Self-harm
• In young people aged 12-17:
– 1 in 10 had ever self-harmed;
• In young women aged 16-17:
– 16.8% had self-harmed in past year;
• Self-harm more common in:
– Girls vs boys;
– Older adolescents vs. young adolescents.

14. Suicidal behaviour
• In young people aged 12-17 years:
– 1 in 13 had seriously considered suicide;
– 1 in 40 had attempted suicide;
• In young women aged 16-17 years:
– 1 in 7 seriously considered suicide;
– 1 in 20 attempted suicide;
• Suicidal behaviours more common in:
– Girls vs boys;
– Older adolescents vs. young adolescents.

15. Key issues for young people
• Issues of most concern:
– Coping with stress;
– School or study problems;
– Body image;
– Depression;
– Family conflict.
*Mission Australia Youth Survey 2013
• 1 in 4 young people are unhappy with their lives;

16. In the classroom
• Average Year 12 classroom (about 20 students):
– 5 are unhappy with life;
– 2 experiencing major depression;
– 4 are experiencing high levels of distress;
– 2 have self-harmed;
– 2 have seriously contemplated suicide; and
– 1 student has made plans to end their own life.

17. Role of educators
• Positive school
environment;
• Supporting positive
development of social &
emotional skills;
• Strong relationships with
families.

18. Early intervention
• Monitoring students’ mental health;
• Being aware of warning signs;
• Talking with young people;
• Linking young people & families with
information & support.

19. Self-care
• Don’t forget to look
after yourself;
• Physical health;
• Manage stress;
• Relationships;
• Spirituality.

20. Asking for help
• Crisis support chat: www.lifeline.org.au.
• It’s ok to ask for help;
• Help seeking is a strength;
• Friends, family,
colleagues;
• GP, Psychologist;
• Lifeline 13 11 14;

21. What the evidence tells us…
• Significant positive outcomes:
– Educational;
– Health & mental health;
• Reduced negative outcomes:
– Antisocial behaviour & crime;
– Substance misuse;
– Mental health problems.
*Clarke, Morreale, Field, Hussein & Barry, 2015

22. Personal accounts
• Alex, 15 years old – school intervened after a
suicide attempt, now receiving treatment;
• Kelly, 16 years old – receiving help from a
school counsellor.

23. Resources
• Mind Matters: www.mindmatters.edu.au
• SANE Australia: www.sane.org
• beyondblue: www.beyondblue.org.au
• Kids Helpline: www.kidshelpline.com.au
• ReachOut: www.au.reachout.com
• headspace: www.headspace.org.au
• Response Ability: www.responseability.org

24. Questions
Celia Rae
Senior Project Officer
Hunter Institute of Mental Health
02 4924 6923
celia.rae@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au