2016 central coast mental health and schools conference
TRANSCRIPT
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Mental health and young people: Setting the sceneCelia RaeHunter Institute of Mental Health
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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.
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Overview• Terminology;• Mental illness in
young people;• Key issues for
young people;• Role of educators;• Questions.
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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.
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Mental health ≠ mental illness
≠ Mental illness;
≠ Happiness;
= Social & emotional wellbeing.
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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.
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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.
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Continuum
*Image from MindMatters resources: www.mindmatters.edu.au
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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;
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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.
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Role of educators• Positive school
environment;• Supporting positive
development of social & emotional skills;
• Strong relationships with families.
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Early intervention
• Monitoring students’ mental health;• Being aware of warning signs;• Talking with young people;• Linking young people & families with
information & support.
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Self-care
• Don’t forget to look after yourself;
• Physical health;• Manage stress;• Relationships;• Spirituality.
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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;
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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
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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.
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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