media release: strength in my roots

26 July 2022

headspace Swan Hill is encouraging young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to reach out for support with their mental health.

From today, headspace Swan Hill will begin sharing with the community the mental health stories of migrant and refugee young people, as well as their family and friends.

The Strength in my roots resources are part of a national campaign to break down mental health stigma in refugee and migrant communities, and reassure other young people from diverse backgrounds that there is no shame in reaching out for help.

headspace National Youth Reference Group member Lehan Zhang appears in the campaign and says their Chinese-Australian family initially struggled to understand their experiences of autism, ADHD and anxiety.

“That can make it hard to identify that something isn’t right with your mental health, and can make getting support more difficult too,” Lehan said.

“But the more I’ve learned about mental health and the more I’ve shared my own experiences – whether it’s with my friends and family, or to headspace – the more confident I feel.

“I learned there were other people out there who shared these experiences.”

Lehan’s message to other young people is clear: “It’s OK to not feel your best all the time and to acknowledge that, if you don’t feel well, you can get help.”

headspace Swan Hill Manager Kirsty Jacobs says the intersection between mental health and culture can be complex for young people.  

“Many young people from multicultural backgrounds find great strength and resilience in connecting with their culture and community.

But for young people from cultures in which mental health and wellbeing are not talked about openly, or that look at mental health in a different way to other Australians, it can be a difficult topic to discuss.

“There can also be extra challenges that come with navigating the world as a multicultural young person in Australia, like feeling different from the people around you and even experiencing racism and discrimination.

“It’s important to remember that you can seek support for your mental health while still honouring your cultural identity.

“How you feel is valid, and there are people who can help and support you through hard times.” 

As well as the videos, there are also online resources available at the headspace website to help young people, their family and friends find the support they need.

To contact headspace Swan Hill for support, phone 1800 975 115 or visit headspace.org.au.

-ENDS-

For media enquiries please contact Kat Hindle, Community Engagement Officer, KHindle@shdh.org.au; 03 4010 7106.

About headspace

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. Each year, headspace helps thousands of young people access vital support through our headspace centres in 150 communities across Australia[1][1], our online and phone counselling services, our vocational services, and our presence in schools. 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