As new data reveals two in five young Australians prefer to deal with their emotional problems alone, headspace Swan Hill is using headspace Day 2023 to remind young people that support is always available.  

The headspace National Youth Mental Health Survey of 3,107 young people found 40 per cent of participants were likely to deal with personal or emotional problems on their own instead of speaking to someone else.

The survey also found:

• More than two in five young people said they would feel worse about themselves if they could not solve their mental health problems on their own (42%), and
• among young people who deal with personal or emotional problems on their own, a significant barrier to seeking help was feeling worried about what other people might think (39%).

Shame and stigma are a deterrent to help-seeking for many young people. Two in five young people surveyed said they were likely to deal with personal or emotional problems on their own (40%), as opposed to speaking to someone.

The survey also explored young people’s views on whether there is stigma around mental health and help-seeking.

Nearly six in 10 people surveyed indicated they feel that there is a stigma around mental illness in Australia (57%), with more than half (52%) revealing they felt there is stigma around seeking help for a mental illness.

This headspace Day - a national day of support for the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians – headspace Swan Hill wants to continue to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage young people to reach out for support.

headspace CEO Jason Trethowan understood it can be confronting asking for support, but young people should know there is always a range of youth-friendly, confidential and low-cost supports available for their different needs

“Young people today face expectations from many different directions – from their families, schools, workplaces, social media and from within themselves.”

headspace Swan Hill Centre Manager, Kirsty Jacobs said “young people in our region are incredibly resilient, and sometimes they just need a few extra tools in their toolkit to support how they manage expectations and their journeys into adulthood.”

Taking place on Wednesday 4 October 2023, the headspace Swan Hill Team will be out and about in Swan Hill as well as throughout the wider region. Parts of the team will be at Suni Tafe, Kerang Christian College, Tyrell College and Birchip P-12 School.

The new research also coincides with the launch of a new campaign starring young person and performer Zoe Terakes that encourages young Australians to leave unrealistic expectations behind and reach out for the support they need.

Zoe encourages young people to ditch others’ expectations and focus on what’s important to them.

“headspace reminds young people they don’t have to do it all on their own, in fact, they shouldn’t. It’s so vital we reach for and depend on external support.

“I’m very grateful for the work headspace is doing to help people through the pointy bits of living.”

headspace Swan Hill Youth Reference Group Member, Kate Whorwood said “I want young people in our community to know that they are not alone, and that headspace is a welcoming environment for any person aged 12-25 to access support in a variety of ways, for a range of concerns.”

With centres across regional and metropolitan Australia, online and phone counselling services, as well as a presence in schools, headspace strives to support all aspects of young people’s wellbeing, including their mental health, physical health (including sexual health), providing alcohol and other drug services, as well as work and study support.

Watch headspace’s new brand campaign at headspace.org.au/foryou

Young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their family and friends, can visit headspace Swan Hill for support. Drop in on Wednesday 04 October to check out the centre!

Help is also available via phone and online counselling service eheadspace seven days a week between 9am–1am (AEST). The number is 1800 650 890.

If you’re looking for someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) are available to talk 24/7.

-ENDS-

For media enquiries please contact:

Kirsty Jacobs – headspace Manager – kjacobs@shdh.org.au 03 4010 7102

Notes to Editor: Study key findings

• Nearly six in ten young people surveyed indicated they feel that there is a stigma around mental illness in Australia generally (57%).
• Over half of young people surveyed felt that there is a stigma around seeking help for a mental illness in Australia (52%).
• Two in five young people surveyed said they were likely to deal with personal or emotional problems on their own (40%).
  • Those surveyed experiencing very high levels of psychological distress were the most likely to deal with personal or emotional problems on their own (58%).
• The most common barriers to seeking help, among young people who deal with personal or emotional problems on their own, include: a preference to sort out these problems on their own (57%), feeling worried about what other people might think (39%).
  • Among young people surveyed experiencing very high levels of psychological distress, who preferred to deal with personal or emotional problems on their own, worrying about what other people might think was a significant barrier to help-seeking (48%).
• Over two in five young people surveyed said they would feel worse about themselves if they could not solve their mental health problems on their own (42%).

About headspace

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. headspace has 154 centres across Australia in metropolitan, regional and remote areas, as well as online and phone support services through eheadspace. headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support. Centre details, as well as factsheets and resources for young people and their families and friends, can be located on the headspace website: headspace.org.au