LIVE FORUM: READERS will be able to put their questions about youth mental health issues to our expert panel during a special online mental health forum today.
A joint initiative of The Land, the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program and NSW Farmers, the monthly forums are designed to give readers access to a range of mental health professionals without driving long distances to a major centre.
“We’re trying to put readers in touch with relevant health professionals without the long drive to town – or even leaving the paddock,” said The Land’s editor Sally White.
Panelists for today’s forum will include Kris Gesling, Emily Smith and Sophie Potter.
Mr Gesling is a youth and technology officer with the Young and Well Co-operative Research Centre which looks at how technology can be used to improve the mental health and well-being of young people aged 12 to 25.
Among other things, he manages the CRC’s Youth Brains trust – a group of 40 young people from around Australia who advise the CRC on its research and project.
Ms Smith is a clinical leader in infant, child, youth and family mental health for the NSW Western Area Local Health District.
Ms Potter is the online community co-ordinator for the Inspire Foundation’s ReachOut program.
ReachOut.com is an online service designed to increase young people’s knowledge of mental health and well-being, increase their help seeking skills and ensure they feel less alone.
Readers will be able to put their questions about youth mental health to the panel during the forum or beforehand by leaving them as a comment below.
The forum kicks off at 2pm with a transcript available shortly after.
At the bottom of the page you'll find a list of resources suggested by our panel.
WHERE TO FIND HELP
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelp.com.au. A confidential 24 hour counselling service for young Australians aged between 5 and 25. Website includes information sheets ona range of common issues experienced by young people.
Parentline: 1300 1300 52 or www.parentline.org.au A 24-hour telephone service for parents and carers of children aged up to 18.
Headspace Offers support for those aged 12 to 25 years old on a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, sexuality, sexual health, personal or family relationship issues and bullying.
Lifeline: 13 11 44 Confidential telephone crisis support service available 24 hours a day.
Youth Beyondblue: www.youthbeyondblue.com or 1300 22 4636 Targeted at young people aged 12 to 25. Includes resources for youth and parents.
Reach Out Australia: au.reachout.com An online youth mental health service designed to help youth access help, info and support no matter where they are.
LINKS
The Desk – www.thedesk.org.au – is an online program designed to support Australian tertiary students in their mental and physical health and wellbeing.
The Youthbeyondblue website – www.youthbeyondblue.com – has some great fact sheets on issues like depression in young people, treatments for depression and anxiety and